From the Herald Sun

Neo-nazi arsonist gets jail
Christine Caulfield
27/9/05

A DEATH metal fan who torched a century-old church because Christianity was “weak” has been sentenced to three years in youth detention.

Novak Majstorovic, 19, destroyed the Ascot Vale Uniting Church after being seduced by the lyrics of neo-nazi Scandinavian band Burzum inciting followers to burn down churches.

The band’s lead singer, Varg Vikernes, was jailed for the murder of another death metal musician, and a series of arson attacks on churches in Norway in the 1990s.

The County Court heard Majstorovic caused $3 million damage to the 1896 church in Maribyrnong Rd, Moonee Ponds after setting fire to a Bible on the pulpit on August 29 last year.

Describing the arson as a terrible hate crime, County Court Judge Jeanette Morrish said Majstorovic had shown little remorse when he was arrested.

He told police his actions were a “drunken vision” inspired by his anti-Christian ideology.

“I can’t escape the repercussions and there’s no sense in feeling sorry,” he said.

The court heard Majstorovic, of St Albans, drank half a bottle of bourbon at a party before telling friends he was on a mission. “I’m going to burn down the church,” he told them.

Two days later Majstorovic admitted he was the arsonist when a friend showed him a report of the fire in the Herald Sun.

Police secretly recorded a confession and he later pleaded guilty in court to one count each of burglary and arson.

The 1896 church has not been rebuilt and parishioners now attend St Paul’s Anglican Church in Ascot Vale.

Judge Morrish said Majstorovic had harboured thoughts of destroying the church for a long time and had carried a box of matches with him to the party before the attack.

“This has all the hallmarks of a terrible hate crime with no remorse . . . I am really, really horrified by it,” she said.

Despite his earlier lack of contrition, Majstorovic had since written a letter of apology, which was tendered to court.

Judge Morrish said she was satisfied his recent expression of regret was sincere and he had reasonable prospects for rehabilitation.

She ordered a DNA sample be taken, but rejected an application for compensation, warning Majstorovic he could be sued in the civil courts for the damage bill.

A reader writes to inform us that Burzum are not death metal, but black metal. He also says that while the man behind Burzum (whom inspired Majstorovic) was a neo-Nazi, this was not necessarily reflected in Burzum’s lyrics.