Two 14-year-olds charged over $25m Woolworths Stirling fire in court for first time

The two 14-year-old boys charged with arson over a $25m fire that destroyed an Adelaide Hills shopping centre have faced court for the first time.

Two 14-year-olds charged with arson over a fire that caused $25m worth of damage to a Stirling shopping centre are not excused from any future hearings because of the seriousness of the offence, a court has heard.

The pair, who are from Bridgewater and Heathfield and cannot be identified, appeared in Mount Barker Magistrates Court on Thursday after they were arrested following the fire that devastated multiple businesses and destroyed the shopping centre.

Defence counsel for both boys asked the court whether they could be excused from future hearings unless the matter was to be resolved.

“It’s quite stressful for a young person,” she said.

One of the teenagers, right, 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: Eva Blandis

Fire crews battle the blaze at Stirling Woolworths. Picture: CFS

A police prosecutor opposed the application saying it was necessary for them to attend due to the seriousness of the offending

“We’re looking at an excess of $25 million arson … it’s a very serious matter,” he said.

Magistrate Kylie Schulz declined the application saying it was “appropriate” for the youths to attend every hearing.

Damage inside Woolworths at Stirling which was destroyed by fire. Picture: Supplied

The duo were arrested shortly after the fire broke out in the Stirling Woolworths on October 15.

They were both charged with arson over the fire which caused more than $25 million of destroyed the supermarket and caused significant damage to surrounding stores.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze after crews were called to the Stirling Village shopping centre about 2.15pm following reports of flames in an aisle.

At the time the centre was quickly evacuated with bystanders reporting explosions.

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

“Initial demolition will soon commence to ensure stability and safety on the site so that fire investigators and engineers can enter the building for a more complete assessment of the site, including the full extent of the damage,” the council said in the statement.

Bail was continued for both boys, who will next appear at the Adelaide Youth Court in January.

One boy was given the exception to travel interstate for a specific period of time.

Originally published as Two 14-year-olds charged over $25m Woolworths Stirling fire in court for first time