A 麻豆精选 man who burnt down the Bankhead Convenience Store was sentenced in 麻豆精选 court to 18 months in jail.
Deklan Del Col, 22, was sentenced after pleading guilty to arson in relation to inhabited property on Thursday, July 24.
The fire was sparked on June 4, 2023. According to crews at the time of the blaze, the blaze started from the exterior of the building and made its way to the attic.
鈥淎 family was living in the basement of the building," said platoon captain Jarret Dais. "They opened the window and smelt smoke, and they discovered the fire.鈥� The family was able to escape unharmed.
The fire was roaring for over five hours, having been started at approximately 5:20 a.m. and was extinguished at 11 a.m.
Del Col pleaded guilty on January 31, 2025, to the charge of arson in relation to inhabited property.
While out on bail, Del Col has been additionally charged with assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and breach of undertaking regarding an incident in Summerland in July 2025.
He was also charged with making harassing communication in March 2025. Both offences are K Files, which represent intimate partner violence. He will be back in court on Aug. 12 to consult counsel.
