Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Canberra man who caught alight setting his neighbour's front door on fire during dispute over loud music avoids jail

CCTV footage of the argument at a Canberra apartment block.

A Canberra man who set himself alight while lighting a neighbour's front door on fire during a dispute over loud music, has been spared jail by the ACT Supreme Court.

Taylor Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to arson, common assault and possessing an offensive weapon.

The court heard the dispute arose when Jones had asked his neighbour to turn down the bass.

The incident was caught on CCTV as Jones went up to the door several times, finally with an aerosol can, which he punctured and set on fire.

The flames touched the door and set Jones's pants on fire as the dispute continued.

The court heard in the wake of the incident Jones was forced to leave his home and live elsewhere, where he could not keep his three dogs.

Justice David Mossop told the court having good neighbours could be a good thing.

"Having bad neighbours can be awful," Justice Mossop said.

"However the law does not allow for arson as a solution to having bad neighbours."

Justice Mossop acknowledged reports Jones was suffering from a major depressive disorder at the time.

He said his actions were driven by an adverse environment, and he was at the end of his tether.

"There appeared to me to be a degree of fragility in his circumstances," Justice Mossop said.

Jones has already spent 17 days in custody.

He was sentenced to a total of 57 days in jail, but the remaining 40 days were suspended.

Jones will also serve a six-month good behaviour order.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.