The Helsinki Court of Appeals has increased the sentence handed down to 19-year-old Kalle Johan Ernesti Holm, who had been convicted of starting the fire at Porvoo Cathedral in late May last year.
His original prison sentence in Porvoo District Court of three years and two months was more than doubled to six and a half years. The appeals court found that the crime was especially serious because the flames caused great danger to a large number of people living near the church.
The Court of Appeals also sentenced two others to a fine for a violation of rescue rules. The district court had not meted out any punishment on them.
The roof of Porvoo Cathedral and other structures of the church were destroyed in the fire in May last year.
