I will help arsonist to go straight says minister

The minister of a Kidderminster church which was gutted in an arson attack has vowed to help the teenager responsible to "get his life back on track".

Zakery Lales-Allen was locked up for two years and nine months on Friday for setting fire to Trinity Methodist Church in Churchfields, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

The Rev Mary Austin says she is planning to arrange a meeting with the 18-year-old arsonist through the probation service after he showed remorse for his actions in court.

"I expressed right from the outset an interest to meet with him. I thought it was important for him to know the consequences of his actions," she said.

"The arsonist indicated in court through his defence that he was extremely sorry about what happened and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with me. He is only 18.

"I am pleased with the sentence he got. It's not too long that it will ruin his life but long enough so he can slot into positive activities to help him long-term. I will also do all I can to help get his life back on track. That is the view the church takes."

Lales-Allen, of no fixed address, piled chairs round the Christmas tree and set it alight with books and letters he found on December 14.