Paul Hamstra jailed over St Andrew’s Lutheran College fire

A man has been jailed for his role in a fire that caused $6.65 million worth of damage to a Gold Coast school.

A JUDGE has described a man who caused $6.65 million in damage to his former school when he set several fires as “calculated” and “reckless”.

“It involved more than just some foolish schoolboy prank gone wrong,” Judge Catherine Muir said.

“Your conduct was serious, reckless, thoughtless and immature.”

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Judge Muir made the comments while sentencing Paul Hamstra, 21, in the Southport District Court for the Anzac Day 2016 fire at St Andrew’s Lutheran College which destroyed the school’s drama and hospitality block.

Hamstra had pleaded guilty to endangering property by fire and wilful damage.

Judge Muir sentenced him to three years prison to be suspended after he has served six months.

“It had a devastating impact, including rumours and innuendo after the fire,” she said.

Paul Hamstra (right) with solicitor Chris Nyst. Picture: Lea Emery

Hamstra was 18 when he and three of his friends went on a “school run” to ring the bell at their former school in Tallebudgera.

While there they broke into J block and Hamstra, who brought a lighter and accelerant with him, began melting lockers shut.

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Hamstra, the ringleader, also set fire to some paperwork in one of the lockers before closing it.

Judge Muir accepted Hamstra thought the fire had gone out when they left but also noted the fire alarms were heard.

It took the fire department about 15 hours to put the fire out and make the scene safe.

Students were not able to attend school the next day and alternative classrooms had to be built while a new building was constructed.

Fire crews battling the blaze St Andrew’s. Photo: Channel 9

Hamstra’s co-accused have previously been sentenced but were not required to spend time in custody.

Judge Muir noted it was not a timely plea.

She told the court how the group had made a pact not to tell anyone they were responsible for a fire.

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It was not until a year later when another person was told that police became aware of the group.

A Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, which included hearings, was required as a part of investigations before charges were laid.