A woman in her 50s has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for arson after setting fire to Nybyggeskolan in Västerås in August. The blaze caused damages estimated at four million kronor but resulted in no injuries. The woman stated she acted out of anger over her daughter's bullying at the school.
A woman in her 50s was sentenced on October 17, 2025, for arson after igniting a fire at Nybyggeskolan in Västerås in August of the same year. She received a prison term of two years and six months from Västmanland District Court.
In interrogation, the woman explained that she had harbored anger toward the school for a long time, where her daughter had previously attended. She claimed her daughter was bullied and that the school failed to intervene adequately. Following heavy alcohol consumption, she brought candles, flares, and hand sanitizer to the school, lit the candles and flares, and poured the flammable liquid. The woman stated it was not intended to destroy the school entirely but to leave a lasting impression.
The fire caused extensive water and smoke damage, along with fire damage to the building. Västerås city estimates the costs at around four million kronor. No one was injured.
Evidence includes surveillance footage and the woman's DNA on a bag containing candles and flares found nearby. The bag also held a receipt from the purchase linking her to the items.
The incident highlights strains related to school bullying and its long-term effects, though the ruling centers on the direct criminal act.