THESE shocking photographs show the trail of destruction wrought by arsonist Aaron Foster who is serving a life sentence for burning down a school and a library.
READ MORE: Life sentence for arsonist who started £4.5 million blaze at school
He was today locked up for at least nine years at Bradford Crown Court for setting fire to Mixenden Library and Ash Green Primary School in Mixenden.
Foster, 20, of Stanningley Drive, Mixenden, caused £4.5 million damage to the school and £180,000 damage to the library.
The blaze reduced the Key Stage Two block at the school to a burned-out shell, destroy-ing the work of many of its pupils.
Other photos show the charred remains of the interior of the library that was used as a community hub.
After today’s court hearing, Detective Constable Louise Halliwell, of Calderdale CID, said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed to Foster for the multiple offences com-mitted.
“His actions resulted in £4.5m of damage caused to the school and had a huge impact on those in the community.
“Through the investigation into the arson at Ash Green Primary, we were able to gain evidence which put Foster in the spotlight for the previous offence back in 2020.
“The community has come together and proved how resilient it can be when faced with incident like this and I’m glad we can provide the justice deserved to those affected.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dave Walton, said: “This sentence today sends a clear mes-sage that arson is a very serious crime and can never be tolerated.
“There is no excuse for anyone deliberately setting a fire. Those who do are a danger to society and the sentencing reflects that.
“This case highlights the completely reckless behaviour of this individual, with no thought as to whether his actions would endanger lives, including his own.
"He could have died and our crews’ lives were put in danger rescuing him from a fire started by his own hand.
"And to then ring up our control staff and blame others is beyond belief. I hope this sentence deters others from this sort of activity.”
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