Jordan Van pleads guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to wilful and unlawful damage and carrying a knife in public

A 21-year-old who tore through his in-law’s home and savagely ripped a door off its hinges has appeared in court after he was spotted carrying a large knife in public.

A 21-year-old who kicked in the door of a Yuleba woman’s home and was spotted by witnesses carrying a large knife in public has fronted court.

Jordan Van pleaded guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to wilful and unlawful damage and carrying a knife in public.

Police prosecutor Mathew Donnelly said on October 22 2022, Van was having a verbal argument with his partner at the time inside the residence.

The defendant became angry and kicked the bathroom door, causing the door to break and come off the hinges, the court was told.

Later the same day police received a phone call about a man on Stephenson St, Yuleba looking ‘agitated’ and carrying a knife.

When police arrived and asked the defendant where the knife was, the defendant lifted his shirt revealing a large knife in the waistband of his shorts.

Police retrieved the knife from him without any issues.

Defence lawyer Trevor May said his client suffers from a sweep of mental health conditions and is on the disability pension.

Van, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury, tourettes, anxiety and depression, was drinking alcohol at the time of his offending.

Mr May said the defendant has since apologised to the victim, his mother-in-law, and has fixed the door he damaged.

Magistrate Shane Elliott said he acknowledged Van’s health issues and that it’s his first time before a court.

“You come before court without any criminal history whatsoever,” magistrate Elliott said.

“I’m dealing with you today for a one-off incident, I hope, and as a young person.

“You’ve got those genuine medical issues - nothing to be ashamed of, but if you use drugs or alcohol don’t take medication.”

Van was handed a $600 good behaviour bond for six months. No convictions were recorded.