â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Castlegar arsonist jailed again as he changes plea

A guilty plea Monday from the young man who set fire to the Kinnaird Church of God.

19 year old Lee Wilding was sentenced in Castlegar court Monday morning to two years in a federal jail followed by three years probation.

That was a result of a joint submission by crown and defence. Wilding originally pled not guilty to arson but admitted to the crime today just as his 4-day trial was set to begin.

He previously admitted to burning down St Rita’s Catholic church in Castlegar last year and received a jail sentence. The latest church fire occurred eight days after he was released and on the day he testified against a co-accused.

Wilding apologised before being sentenced but gave little insight into his motive saying only it had nothing to do with religion.

Greg Nesteroff
Greg Nesteroff
Greg has been working in West Kootenay news media off and on since 1998. When he's not on the air, he's busy writing about local history. He has recently published a book about the man who founded the ghost town of Sandon.

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

New Trail childcare centre now expected to open spring 2027

The long-stalled Unicorn Childcare Centre in Tadanac is moving ahead again, but it will have fewer spaces than originally envisioned.

Castlegar paving work starts today

Road renewal work in Castlegar is scheduled this week, with paving planned for sections of Columbia Avenue.

Contactless payments coming soon to BC Transit riders

Bus riders may soon have an easier way to pay for their fare, as BC Transit prepares to roll out contactless debit and credit card payments across its network through the Umo fare system.

12 died in Kootenays due to toxic drugs in July, August

In the West Kootenay-Boundary, seven people died in July and one in August, for a total of 24 so far this year.

Q&A with Interior Health’s new CEO

Sylvia Weir was announced last week as the new president and CEO of Interior Health. Vista Radio spoke with her on Thursday.
- Advertisement -