Auckland man Janus Breytenbach sentenced for Waiuku recycling centre arson
Janus Breytenbach was sentenced for the arson of a recycling centre in Waiuku, New Zealand, which caused $650,000 in damages. The fire destroyed significant personal property and memories for local business tenants.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe personal and economic impact of industrial arson on small business communities.
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.
"You single-handedly destroyed both Andrew and my past with the simple click of a lighter," Butler told the court.
The agreed summary of facts said around 20 businesses are tenants of the park on Kitchener Rd in Waiuku.
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