Jared Sambono sentenced to more than three years in jail after Nauiyu/Daly River riots

A man who took part in widespread rioting sparked by unrest over the result of an AFL grand final result has been sentenced. Read what was said in court.

Damage to homes in Nauiyu/Daly River following ongoing gang violence between the Bad Boyz, Warriors and Jovi Boys. Picture: Jason Walls

A Territory man who took part in widespread rioting in a remote community has been sentenced to a stint in jail.

Jared Sambono, 24, was sentenced by judge Alan Woodcock in the Darwin Local Court after pleading guilty to a string of offences including engaging in violent conduct and going armed in public.

The violence was part of ongoing unrest in the community of Nauiyu/Daly River in April 2024, sparked by the result of the 2023 AFL grand final.

Supporters of the then-winning Collingwood outfit taunted backers of the losing Brisbane Lions, sparking significant unrest that resumed almost a year after the result.

“Supporters of the winning side chose to taunt fans of the losers resulting in significant unrest between the two opposing groups,” Mr Woodcock said.

“They engaged in multiple fights, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage, the above mentioned unrest has not reached a resolution.”

Sambono was part of a group of riotous, armed men who approached a home and shot arrows and bolts towards the residents in late April.

Damage to homes in Nauiyu/Daly River following ongoing gang violence between the Bad Boyz, Warriors and Jovi Boys. Picture: Jason Walls

He faced court in Darwin in May and was bailed to an address in Palmerston, where he was found to have committed further driving offences on July 7, 2024.

He was spotted driving a stolen ute with several youths in the tray where he was arrested again and remanded in custody.

Sambono was charged with using a motor vehicle without consent, driving without L plates when required and carrying child in open load space of a vehicle among other driving charges.

He was also found in possession of a schedule two drug.

“A significant number of people in the area were fearful of the defendant and other people involved,” Mr Woodcock said.

“The objective seriousness of this offending in Daly River is really very serious, it’s unacceptable and needs to be deterred.”

For the combined offending Mr Woodcock sentenced Sambono to three years and 10 months imprisonment, forgoing a suspended sentence because the driving offences happened on bail.

Originally published as Jared Sambono sentenced to more than three years in jail after Nauiyu/Daly River riots