A group of seven children, aged between 11 and 15, have caused extensive damage to a six-bedroom home in the UK, resulting in a loss of around £300,000 ($371,000), according to a report by local news outlet Island Echo. The children used chainsaws, axes, and sledgehammers to destroy antiques, paintings, and even the homeowner’s wedding dress. The vandalism spree lasted for a month in May of last year while the owners were away from their property on the Isle of Wight.
The children gained access to the tools from the owners’ garage and proceeded to wreak havoc on the property. They sprayed bleach, oil paint, creosote, and ketchup throughout the house and caused water damage in the bathroom by ripping off taps and creating a “slip and slide” on the floor. Additionally, they carved into mahogany window sills, left graffiti on the walls, attempted to set a tractor mower on fire, and even chopped down a palm tree using the couple’s tools.
The homeowner, Joanne Pittard, expressed her horror and devastation in a victim statement read to the court, stating, “It is mindless and looks like a whirlwind has been through the property. We are horrified at the evil vandalism and attempts at arson at our property. It will take a long time to recover financially and emotionally from this event.”
The damage caused to the property has led to a devaluation of the house by an estimated £250,000 to £300,000 ($309,375 to $371,000), despite the couple already spending over £35,000 ($42,300) on repairs, as stated by an estate agent.
The seven youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted in court to causing criminal damage to the property and expressed regret and remorse for their actions. Six of them were ordered to pay £1,500 ($1,800) in compensation and were given a 12-month referral order, which involves working with a community panel to address their behavior. The seventh teenager is awaiting sentencing later this month.
The chairman of the Isle of Wight Magistrates addressed the teenagers in court, stating, “Your behavior has been appalling and an absolute disgrace to all of you.”
