Burzum fan busted for church burning

A heavy metal music fan who set fire to a century-old church in Melbourne has been sentenced to three years in youth detention.

Novak Majstorovic, 19, of suburban St Albans, appeared for sentencing today in Victoria's County Court before Judge Jeanette Morrish. Morrish said Majstorovic's crimes of burglary and arson were serious and had caused more than $3 million in damage.

Majstorovic pleaded guilty to the 2004 crime of torching the 1896-built St Albans Uniting Church.

Judge Morrish said Majstorovic was an impressionable young man, that he had admitted his guilt early and that he had apologised to parishioners.

"I am now satisfied that you have taken very positive steps towards your rehabilitation," Judge Morrish said.

Reverend Ron Rosinsky of the St. Albans Uniting Church was happy with the verdict. "I am satisfied," Mr Rosinsky said noting that Judge Morrish had not imposed a term in an adult prison.

"My personal opinion is that it is the best sentence, given the circumstances, as the chances of rehabilitation are close to non-existent in prison," expressed Rosinsky.

Majstorovic is a fan of Burzum, a Norwegian Black Metal band whose sole member Varg Vikernes (Count Grishnackh) is currently inprisoned for church burnings that took place in the early 90's Norway.