A 19-year-old man from Ewhurst who admitted an arson at a local educational centre, in which a thatched reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse was destroyed, has been given a 16 month custodial sentence at a Young Offenders Institute.
A Surrey Police statement says that Oliver Harasyn ,of Links Close, was sentenced today (Friday, November 22) when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to the offence at the Sayers Croft Field Centre in Cranleigh Road in November 2012.
The roundhouse was built by volunteers at the site which is operated by a charitable trust. The Celtic reconstruction suffered more than £17,000 worth of damage as a result of the blaze, with the clay walls only left standing.
Detective Constable Dan Chant, investigating officer, said: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this mindless act of vandalism offence which caused considerable damage to a much valued building. It had been built by the community and formed an integral part of the Sayers Croft Field Centre. Due to the despicable action of Harasyn, many youngsters missed out for some time on the opportunity to learn about Celtic life. It is demonstrable how much the offence affected the whole community by the way in which it came together to construct a new replica roundhouse.
“Surrey Police will always work to bring offenders to justice and is determined to stamp out such offending in our neighourhoods.”