Four jailed over Bishops Lydeard Sandhill Park mansion arson (From Somerset County Gazette)

5:06pm

SPEAKING after the sentencing, the investigating office DC Kevin Pellow said: "This was a catastrophic attack on a house which has played a significant part in the history of Bishops Lydeard.

"These four men planned the fire and went to Sandhill Park intent on setting fire to the building. I am certain these men knew what they were doing and the impact their actions would have.

"This fire was thoroughly investigated and all four people responsible were arrested within a week.

"Today they must finally face up to their actions and I hope their situation makes others think twice about setting fires deliberately."

Veryan Heal, of English Heritage, said: "Sandhill Park is a precious piece of the nation's heritage that could have easily suffered total destruction as a result of this arson attack.

"At the time of the fire, the building was already considered 'at risk' and it remains uncertain whether the exquisite ornate 18th Century plaster ceilings inside the house can be saved or not.

"People who target historic buildings are threatening a unique part of the country's heritage and it is only right that this is taken into account when they are brought to justice.

"We are working to raise awareness of heritage crime in its various forms, and we are pleased that the judge has taken account of the wider cultural impact in his sentencing.

"We hope this may serve as a deterrent to others who have little respect for England's built heritage."

5:04pm

THE police have released these photographs of Sandhill Park taken before and after the arson attack.

3:39pm

BISHOPS Lydeard councillor Mike Rigby offered a reward for information leading to the offenders following the fire in November 2011.

Speaking after the sentencing today, he said: "While it’s hard on the future prospects of these young lads, there really was no alternative to custodial sentences. 

"They have caused a huge financial loss to the owners and their insurers not to mention the major loss of heritage suffered by the village. 

"A deterrent needed to be shown. We all now hope that a permanent use can be secured for what is a Grade-II listed Building of major significance."

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3:21pm

ALL four men who pleaded guilty to arson at Sandhill Park have been jailed at Taunton Crown Court this afternoon.

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12:54pm

THE sentencing exercise at Taunton Crown Court has been adjourned for a lunch break and will reconvene at 2pm.

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11:44am

THE cost of repairing and restoring the damage caused at Sandhill Park could be up to £10milion, the court has heard.

10:57am

THE case at Taunton Crown Court is under way.

9:37am

FOUR men are to face sentence today over a fire which caused £1million damage at an historic mansion in Taunton Deane.

The fire, at the Grade II-listed Sandhill Park in Bishops Lydeard, broke out on November 22, 2011.

Marcus Tancock and Nathan Goldfinch, both of Weston, Liam Grant of Cheddar and Stuart Walter of Lympsham, are appearing at Taunton Crown Court for sentence.

Check back to this story later for the outcome of the case.

BACKGROUND: More than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at the derelict mansion, which was built in 1720 and was used by American troops as a hospital during the Second World War.

The fire was so severe crews had to fetch water from a pond almost a mile away to tackle the flames.

At the time of the blaze, Bishops Lydeard parish councillor Mike Rigby said: “People in the village are very upset a big part of our history has been damaged.”