Auckland man Janus Breytenbach sentenced for Waiuku recycling centre arson
Janus Breytenbach has been sentenced for an arson attack at a Waiuku recycling centre that caused $650,000 in damages. The fire destroyed numerous businesses and personal items stored at the facility.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe economic and personal impact of industrial arson on local communities.
Janus Breytenbach, 31, told police he "didn't mean" to set the blaze and failed to call for help because his phone was on low battery. Photo / Composite
As a couple sifted through the charred remains of their storage locker, they said “shock and disbelief” turned into “devastation” as they realised all of their family’s priceless memories were gone.
This week, Nicole Butler, standing with her husband Andrew Smith, told the Manukau District Court about the impact the loss of more than 50 years of photo albums, keepsakes and hand-me-downs had on their lives after an industrial arson .
Janus Breytenbach, 31, earlier pleaded guilty to the arson at the Waiuku Business Park, South Auckland, last November, which caused around $650,000 in damage to the Future Post recycling centre, other businesses, and several storage containers leased on the property.
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