Charges dropped against Bridgewater teen co-accused of causing $25m Stirling Woolworths fire

One of the teens accused of starting a $25m fire at an Adelaide Hills Woolworths is no longer facing any charges – on the day his trial was due to start.

Charges have been dropped against a Bridgewater teenager who had been accused along with another youth of starting a massive fire that destroyed the Stirling Woolworths and Village Mall last year.

The boy, 15, had two counts of arson withdrawn by prosecution on Monday, who said they would “tender no evidence” against the youth.

However, arson charges against his co-accused – a 16-year-old Heathfield boy – are still likely to proceed. The boys cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Prosecution told Magistrate Michael Jandy they would be vacating the Youth Court trial, which was scheduled to start on Monday, because they were “seeking some time to consider how we proceed”.

One of the teenagers charged with arson over the $25m Stirling, Woolworths fire outside court. Picture: Jessica Dempster

One of the teenagers charged with arson over the $25m Stirling Woolworths fire outside court. Picture: Jessica Dempster

Over 100 firefighters were called to the blaze. Picture: 7NEWS

Over 100 firefighters were called to the blaze. Picture: 7NEWS

The duo were arrested shortly after the fire broke out in the Stirling Woolworths on October 15, 2023, about 2.15pm.

The Stirling Woolworths was destroyed in the fire. Picture: 7NEWS

They were both charged with arson over the fire, which caused more than $25m of damage, destroyed the supermarket and caused significant smoke, water and other damage to the other stores in the mall, forcing their closure.

They pleaded not guilty in September, with the court hearing there would be approximately eight witnesses called to give evidence, including two civilian witnesses – “an off duty police officer and husband”.

There will also be evidence from surrounding business owners about the extent of the damage, CCTV from the day of the fire and data collected from the boys’ mobile phones.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze after crews were called to the Stirling Village following reports of flames in an aisle, with the centre evacuated.

A month later, in November, Adelaide Hills Council confirmed the demolition of the Stirling Village Mall, home to Woolworths, Baker’s Delight, Stirling Variety Meats and other stores, would “soon commence”.

The site has been empty for months.

The matter will return to court later this week, with a trial for the Heathfield teen unlikely to start until the new year.

Originally published as Charges dropped against Bridgewater teen co-accused of causing $25m Stirling Woolworths fire