Arsonist jailed for 15 years

Dunn Street Primary School was badly damaged

A serial arsonist who torched a church and two schools, causing £1.5m in damage has been jailed for 15 years.

Stefan Geary's chaotic three-week spree started with an attack at Dunn Street Primary School, in Jarrow, in January 2003.

Geary, 32, of Jarrow, then torched both Christ Church, in west Jarrow, and Springfield Comprehensive School.

The arsonist, who called fire crews so he could watch them tackle his crimes, admitted three counts of arson last month.

He was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.

The Beacon school's 170 primary pupils have been taught in a former-care home since the fire destroyed their classrooms.

Dunn Street school is not expected to be rebuilt for around two years.