Taylor John Jones accidentally sets himself ablaze during dispute with neighbours

A man’s attempt to weaponise a budget flamethrower during a noise dispute with neighbours spectacularly failed when he managed to light himself on fire. See the shocking footage.

Dramatic footage played in court revealed the moment an arsonist “at the end of his tether” accidentally set himself on fire during a neighbour dispute over music levels.

Reid man Taylor John Jones, 28, faced the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to arson, common assault, and possessing an offensive weapon with intent.

CCTV footage played in the court depicted the fiery neighbour dispute which occurred on September 4.

At first Jones was first seen having a verbal altercation with the victim over loud music being played, before he left and then returned to the flat holding one of his dogs.

Jones then left the apartment again, and then returned with an aerosol can, a knife and a lighter.

CCTV footage of Taylor John Jones depicts him threatening his neighbour. Picture: Supplied

The footage captured Jones holding the aerosol up to a wall before puncturing it with the knife and using a lighter to ignite the blaze.

Jones accidentally set himself on fire before walking down the stairs while yelling “I need to sleep”.

After the fire alarm began to ring, the victim and his partner are seen fleeing the apartment and Jones, who is wielding the knife, begins to walk back up the stairs and is seen lunging at the victim.

Jones seen carrying one of his dogs as he returns to his neighbour’s apartment. Picture: Supplied

Jones gave evidence in the witness box where he explained the prior troubles he had with his neighbours leading up to the incident.

He told the court he had faced constant harassment from his public housing neighbours, including the victim.

Jones said he had called ACT Policing and Housing ACT numerous times to try to resolve various disputes.

The court heard he claimed the neighbours at the flat defecated on his doorstep, and further alleged the victim and his friends would try to look at him through his apartment window.

Footage captured Jones puncturing an aerosol can. Picture: Supplied

“I tried to negotiate an amicable solution … I spoke politely to them … I tried cooking for them” he said.

Jones told the court he had grown up in foster care, and made numerous references to being autistic, despite a forensic psychologist only formally diagnosing him with major depression.

He said since the event he had reconnected with his sister and had become employed at a restaurant, telling the court he was well supported by colleagues.

CCTV footage depicts Jones accidentally setting himself on fire during the dispute. Picture: Supplied

Jones said as a result of being incarcerated for 17 days he had lost the custody of his three dogs, and that while on bail he had to change his living arrangement.

His lawyer Edward Chen told the court his client had reached “boiling point” at the time of the incident.

“In an alternate universe (Jones) might have been an intelligent member of society,” he said.

Under cross examination by Prosecutor James Melloy, Jones admitted he mainly felt regret over the incident due to the negative impact it brought upon himself.

Footage of Jones lunging at his neighbour wielding a knife. Picture: Supplied Taylor John Jones

In sentencing Justice David Mossop said Jones had a lengthy criminal record, including convictions of assault and indecent exposure.

He said Jones was “at the end of his tether” because of the anti-social environment he was living in.

Justice Mossop sentenced Jones to 57 day jail sentence, which took into account the time already served on remand, and suspended the rest of the sentence.

He also sentenced Jones to a six-month good behaviour order.