A teenager who burnt down Rushcliffe Arena was caught when he was overheard bragging about it on a bus.
The 18-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been sent to a detention centre after a trial at Nottingham Youth Court.
He was found guilty of arson and sentenced on Friday.
The arena, which was closed for refurbishment at the time, was set alight on September 13 2015, causing £285,500 in damage.
The court was told the teenager was arrested shortly afterwards and admitted entering the premises but denied being responsible for the fire.
It wasn’t until he was overheard on a bus bragging about the offence a few days later that he was subsequently charged.
He was given 24 months detention and will be under a supervision order for the second half of this.
Inspector Craig Berry of Nottinghamshire Police said: “This has been a long and challenging investigation. There was initially little evidence available so identifying a key witness was significant to the success of the prosecution.
“The defendant was in a group committing anti-social behaviour inside a building that he should not have entered as it was under renovation at the time.
“In starting a fire he caused hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage to a public building which was at least a mindless and reckless act that could have endangered lives.”
Councillor John Cottee, portfolio holder for community services, Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “We’re pleased that the culprit has been caught and sentenced. This fire did set the building project back but we’re pleased that the new Rushcliffe Arena is due to open on target in January 2017.
“Once open, it will give residents some superb new facilities, including a 25m pool, a beach-themed fun pool, modern gym, squash courts and wellness rooms.”
