Four teenagers who admitted arson after torching the historic Grade II*-listed Rheola House in the Neath Valley are being sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
Kyle Renzoni, Ellis Harding, Yian Foster, and Evan Traynor have all pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. A fifth defendant, aged 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has already been sentenced by Swansea Youth Court.
Fire devastated the historic building
Emergency services were called to Rheola House on August 18 this year to find the property well alight. Subsequent drone footage showed the extent of the damage caused to the building.
The house, built between 1812 and 1818 and designed by renowned architect John Nash, was gutted in the blaze. Cadw awarded it the higher level star listing as "an important early 19th-century country house in the picturesque tradition".
The property is currently owned by The Brook Group, which had plans to turn it into a hotel, spa, and leisure complex.
Sentencing delayed for valuation
A previous sentencing hearing had to be adjourned after the judge said he was not prepared to go ahead without a proper valuation on the cost of the damage. The only document before the court on that occasion was a statement from the owners of the house and estate, which said the cost "runs into millions".
The defendants are: Kyle Renzoni, aged 18, of Bryn Catwg, Cadoxton, Neath; Ellis Harding, aged 19, of Rhos Road, Gendros, Swansea; Yian Foster, aged 18, of John Street, Resolven, Neath Valley; and 18-year-old Evan Traynor, of Brithwen Road, Waunarlwydd, Swansea.
The hearing was due to start at 2pm, but the court was running late due to a busy morning list. The future of the Grade II*-listed building remains unclear.
