12:00a.m. 5th December 2008

| By Rae Wilson

The aftermath of the fire. Photo: Michaela O'Neill/167499

A Teenage boy who set fire to two Maroochydore schools, causing more than $1.8 million damage, has been ordered to complete a “fighting fire fascination” course as part of his penalty.

The 16-year-old was sentenced in Maroochydore District Court yesterday to 12 months detention but he will be released immediately because he has already served 193 days in custody.

Judge Deborah Richards told the boy, who had a “troubled upbringing”, he would eventually end up in an adult jail “if you don’t take advantage of what you’re about to be offered”.

She ordered the teen to complete two years of probation and 200 hours of community service but did not record convictions.

The juvenile had to agree to complete a changing habits program, attend psychiatrist and psychological counselling and complete a “fighting fire fascination” course through Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

The court heard the teen, who was 14 when he lit the fire at Maroochydore Primary School in July last year, sprayed stolen methylated spirits on the walls and contents of the grade seven classroom through an unlocked window.

He then used fabric and sticks to light the fire. He and his alleged co-offender watched the blaze until the fire brigade arrived.

The boy returned the next day to inspect the damage.

The school spent $165,000 demolishing and disposing of the building, $102,000 to replace 29 computers, $8000 replacing furniture, $9000 for an interactive whiteboard as well as other costs to replace air-conditioning units, books and other items.

The juvenile, who had been living on the streets, also caused $12,150 damage when he set fire at Maroochydore State High School the next night.

He spread stolen petrol around a building and put paper under doors but, despite his aim to burn the building down, did not succeed.

The teen also pleaded guilty to other offences, including burglary and stealing, stealing motor vehicles, and possessing six knives he used “for self-protection” and break-ins. He wilfully damaged a dog when he drew a swastika on it with a black permanent marker.

The teen also used stolen spray paint cans to graffiti Maroochydore High School’s new canteen building.

At Mountain Creek State High School, he spray painted graffiti, threw rubbish around, trashed the garden and threw rocks to break windows and lights, twice.

The teen also hotwired a car and took a joyride to Sydney, stealing petrol from Sunshine Coast to Sydney.