The two aimed for the fire at Dale in Sandnes late Saturday evening, a girl and a boy, are now being questioned by the police.
Both are above the criminal minimum age, but below the legal age.
Espen Breivik, attorney at Advokatene Borgersen, Steinsvåg Sæter, says that his client, the boy, admits to having done what led to the fire, but without intention. The boy pleads not guilty to the charge of aggravated assault.
– The person has acknowledged being responsible for the fire, but he has not shown intent with regard to the fact that the action could have the consequences in question, says Deputy Attorney General Breivik.
– What happens next in this matter now?
– The questioning of my client is now finished, so it is up to the police to investigate the case further. Then we’ll see what happens, and whether charges are brought.
– Do you expect that charges will be brought?
– The police must answer that. I don’t answer that, says associate attorney Breivik.
ATTORNEY ATTORNEY: Attorney at law Espen Breivik at Advokatene Borgersen, Steinsvåg and Sæther, represents one of the two accused after the fire at Dale in Sandnes.
Photo: Advokatene Borgersen, Steinsvåg, Sæther
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Will consider bringing charges
Nor has the girl charged in the case pleaded guilty to serious damage, as the police charge states.
She has now explained herself to the police.
– She has linked herself to the incident and explained herself about it, and pleads not guilty to the charge of serious damage. I don’t want to go into any more detail now, says lawyer Anne Hølland.
Police prosecutor Anna Øksnevad in the Sør-Vest police district says that technical and tactical investigations are now underway, and that this case is a priority for them.
When asked whether they expect charges to be brought in the case, she replies:
– We have to make an assessment on that. I can’t answer that.
Happy with the progress
Ole Tom Guse is the general manager of Dale Development, which owns the house where the fire started.
He said this to NRK about the case on Monday, before the interrogations were completed.
– We are happy that the police have made progress in the case, and it is of course very sad that such young people have been charged.
And continued:
– It is almost as if I hope that they have done it on purpose, and that they must answer for what they have done. I don’t wish anyone to accidentally set fire to the Dale building and have to live with it for the rest of their lives. It is very sad that there are such young people.
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