Jordan Tahana: Man punches girlfriend’s ex, steals PlayStation to ‘prove loyalty’

A young man intent on proving his love for his girlfriend showed up unannounced to her ex-boyfriend’s house and punched him in the face, a court has heard.

An Ipswich court has heard of how a man who arrived unannounced at a home and punched its occupant in the face did so to prove his commitment to his girlfriend.

Jordan Michael Tahana, 28, appeared in Ipswich District Court on Wednesday, August 31 and pleaded guilty to three charges: entering a dwelling and assaulting a man, entering a dwelling and stealing an electronic device, and wilful damage.

The court heard the charges related to a single day – June 27, 2020 – when Tahana and his then-girlfriend Breanna Jodie Cassidy, 25, arrived at her ex-partner’s house.

The prosecution said the victim woke about 9.50am on the day in question to someone shouting: “come out here, you p***y”.

After the victim unlocked his front door, the court heard he was immediately punched by Tahana and a fight ensued.

The 28-year-old was heard yelling for Cassidy to “bring more boys back”.

Later that same day, the woman returned to her ex-partner’s property along with four to five men – some of whom were armed – including Tahana.

Jordan Michael Tahana, 28, leaving Ipswich District Court on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

The men entered the residence and stole the victim’s PlayStation 4 and controllers, also causing damage to his walls and upturning his fridge. Tahana and Cassidy remained outside throughout.

The prosecution told the court Tahana later participated in an interview with police, but did not demonstrate any remorse.

Defence barrister Justin Thomas said his client now recognised his behaviour was “appalling” and had told him it was not reflective of who he ordinarily was – a nonviolent person.

Mr Thomas explained his client’s actions were intended to demonstrate his commitment to his partner, as she was having difficulties with the victim.

The court heard Tahana and Cassidy had “moved on” from each other following the incident.

Judge Dennis Lynch QC said he had considered the facts and Tahana’s insignificant criminal history, early pleas of guilty, and personal circumstances in deciding an appropriate penalty.

He sentenced the 28-year-old to a total of 15 months’ imprisonment with immediate parole release.

Tahana’s co-accused and ex-partner Cassidy received the same sentence for the offences in Ipswich Magistrates Court on January 14 this year.