A 51-year-old man, Anthony John Kruger, has been handed a minimum five-year prison sentence for his destructive actions at the Department of Communities office in Geraldton, Western Australia. Kruger’s deliberate act of pouring fuel on the front counter of the office and setting it ablaze not only caused an estimated $1.6 million in damages but also left staff members traumatized.
The incident, which took place on August 2 last year, led to severe consequences as staff members reported post-traumatic stress, loss of sleep, and appetite issues. Judge Michael Bowden emphasized the impact on the victims, highlighting the fear and trauma they experienced during the fire.
Kruger’s motive for the arson attack was believed to be driven solely by revenge. Despite Kruger pleading guilty and expressing extreme stress at the time due to personal issues, the court found his actions to be inexcusable. The judge underlined the importance of general deterrence in such cases, emphasizing the severe consequences of setting fires in public buildings.
As the Department of Communities office remains closed due to the damages caused by Kruger’s actions, staff are operating from an alternative space. The total damage bill stands at $1.6 million, reflecting the seriousness of the incident. Kruger’s sentence has been backdated to August 3, 2023, with a possibility of parole after five years.