Jordan Burojevic sentenced after setting house in Norlane alight
A Norlane man has received a “merciful” sentence from a judge after he poured petrol on his neighbour’s house and set it alight, causing almost $200,000 in damage.
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A Norlane man has received a “merciful” sentence from a judge after he poured petrol on his neighbour’s house and set it alight, causing almost $200,000 in damage.
Jordan Burojevic, 32, fronted the County Court in Geelong on Monday and was sentenced to two community corrections orders (CCO).
He previously pleaded guilty to single counts of arson and conduct endangering persons after a house fire in Bellbird Ave in Norlane in August 2021.
During sentencing, Judge Gerard Mullaly noted the lengthy delays in the court proceedings had weighed heavily on Burojevic’s mental health.
On August 14, Burojevic’s garage was burgled while he slept and about $4000 worth of tools and car parts were stolen.
Judge Mullaly said Burojevic felt unsafe and angry after the burglary and reported it to police.
“This is where you should have stopped,” he said.
“Unfortunately you didn’t stop there (and) you made your own inquiries.”
The next day, Burojevic confronted a man over the burglary which resulted in him being placed on a separate CCO in the Geelong Magistrates Court in April.
Burojevic suspected his neighbours were involved and on August 17, he went to the property and used petrol to set it alight.
Footage from a nearby CCTV camera showed an “explosion” at the house.
Judge Mullaly said it was a “very dangerous scenario” and lucky no one was injured.
The cost of the damage was estimated to be about $192,000.
Burojevic initially denied he was responsible and later admitted his actions to undercover officers in a holding cell.
Judge Mullaly said Burojevic had a “dysfunctional upbringing” and started to use drugs when he was “disturbingly young”.
He had used cannabis before the age of 10 and was using methylamphetamine by his mid-teens.
The court heard Burojevic has made significant steps towards rehabilitation since the offending and was committed to turning his life around.
He has since moved to Macarthur, remained abstinent from drugs since mid-2021 and has continued drug counselling programs.
“He’s committed to his rehabilitation, and that’s been apparent … for the past three years since the offending,” Burojevic’s lawyer, barrister Jonathan Barrera, said during a plea hearing in late October.
Judge Mullaly described the sentence he imposed on Burojevic as “merciful”.
He will be placed on CCOs which will run concurrently; one for four years and six months and another for 12 months.
As part of the CCOs, he needs to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work.
Had Burojevic not pleaded guilty, he would have been sentenced to three years in jail.
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Originally published as Jordan Burojevic sentenced after setting house in Norlane alight
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