ASHS teen vandal won’t face compo bill

An 18-year-old Albany woman charged over a vandalism spree at Albany Senior High School last year has been ordered to undertake community service and has avoided paying for the damage.

Monica Herold was sentenced in Albany District Court on Monday after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated burglary and criminal damage from the vandalism spree which caused $40,000 damage in September.

It was alleged Herold, in the company of two 17-year-olds, forced the hoses from two fire hydrants into the classrooms through windows, causing water to seep into the school’s administration area below.

Judge John Staude said the trio was under the influence of alcohol and had initially planned to just spray the hoses on the top veranda at the school until they committed the serious act of placing and turning on the hoses into the classrooms.

“I accept you’re sorry for what you have done,” he said.

“It’s a case where actions speak for themselves.

“Your behaviour was irresponsible and immature.

“Drinking to intoxication doesn’t make it any less serious.”

Judge Staude decided to not impose a compensation order, believing Herold should not be burdened with a $40,000 debt as she was in the company of others.

He ordered a 12-month intensive supervision order with 100 hours of community service.