Justin Keeling, 18, caused massive Crewe evacuation and taunted police. He gave a BBC interview after the fire.
The fire occurred at a former print works; fire crews spent 21 hours extinguishing it. Homes on five streets were evacuated, and families sought refuge at a local center.
Keeling and James Evans, 19, face charges for arson. Keeling laughed and swore at officers, urging others to riot. Later, he told BBC that everyone worked well together.
He claimed his house needed cleaning due to the fire and informed police he saw youths near the site. Police arrested and released a 12-year-old, but Keeling confessed to a friend that he was inside.
Following his arrest, police discovered a video on Keeling’s phone depicting burning cardboard inside, with more burning piles visible; three men were rearrested for arson.
Evans, Keeling, and a third man went to court. Evans and Keeling admitted to arson, while the third man was found not guilty. Keeling also admitted to obstructing justice. About 350 people were affected by the evacuation, with some homes sustaining damage.
Keeling and Evans are in custody and will be sentenced on April 14. Police released video footage showcasing the fire and officers at the scene.
One officer stated the men laughed after the fire, emphasizing that their actions endangered residents and strained the police service. The officer also noted their casual attitude towards the fire.
The men walked home laughing, failing to alert the police. They displayed no concern for others and the officer thanked residents for assisting the investigation.
Another officer stated the fire incurred significant costs to taxpayers and caused extensive destruction. Some families are yet to return home; police and firefighters worked for days.
The officer said Keeling taunted police and encouraged others to cause trouble. Later, he gave an interview to the BBC and acted like a victim. Their motive remains unknown.
