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The Lower Moyamensing man responsible for burning down an FDR Park playground that has since been rebuilt will serve prison and community service time in addition to paying back some of the costs.
Kevin Beattie, 27, of the 2400 block of South Camac Street, stirred up anger among residents, City officials and children who utilized the equipment at the playground that was only eight-months-old when he set it ablaze. There is now a court order keeping him away from the Broad-Street-and-Pattison-Avenue park.
Beattie was sentenced May 12 to spend 11-and-a-half to 23 months behind bars, followed by parole in a group residence or hospital program. He also must complete 100 hours of community service and pay the Fairmount Park Conservancy, which oversees FDR Park, $50 a month until he reaches $10,000, Assistant District Attorney Nicole Pedicino said.
Beattie allegedly set fire to the playground, called 911 and served as a witness when investigators arrived at the scene June 17, 2012, but soon was pinned for the crime, police said. He pled guilty to arson and conspiracy Jan. 30, according to court records.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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