Mildura man Jamal Johnson, 28, sentenced after terrifying home invasion

A Mildura crook raided the same property twice in one day, threatening a victim who “feared for his life” at gunpoint.

Jamal Johnson threatened his victim at gunpoint 18 hours after he raided his home. Picture: iStock

A Mildura man raided a house twice in one day, demanding his terrified victim hand over money at gunpoint during the second visit to save him searching the house again.

Jamal Johnson, 28, was sentenced to three years’ jail at the County Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty at the Mildura Koori court to home invasion with a firearm and common law assault charges

The charges related to an incident in February 2022 when Johnson and an unknown co-offender raided a Hornsey Park home — belonging to victims known to Johnson — twice 18 hours apart.

The court heard during the initial home invasion about 3am on February 6 the two victims “cowered in the corner of their bedroom” as Johnson — armed with a 40cm gun — and his co-offender took cash, bank cards, car and house keys.

Johnson’s co-offender also punched one of the victims — a 60-year-old man — to the head during the terrifying home invasion.

Johnson then returned to the same house 18 hours later and pointed the firearm at the 60-year-old victim, asking him “where is your money? so we don’t have to search”.

Johnson returned to the Hornsey Park address 18 hours after the initial raid, demanding cash from the terrified victim. Picture: iStock

The victim — who according to court documents “feared for his life” — told Johnson he would get a key but instead fled through the backdoor, with Johnson firing a shot at the house.

Judge Fran Dalziel said Johnson’s offending was “made more serious” by the presence of a firearm in the home invasion.

The court heard while behind bars Johnson mentored Indigenous youth, teaching them how to make cultural items.

He was also inspired to use his experiences to mentor troubled youth in Mildura upon his release.

Judge Dalziel said Johnson had been “respectful” during the court process and had a strong support network behind him.

“It was very positive to see and hear from your family,” Her Honour said.

“Your family is clearly important to you and you’ve missed a lot of family events while in custody.

“When you were asked about your happiest memories they all revolved around your family

“While you may find it hard to see value in yourself ... everyone sees more in you than you see in yourself.

“It’s hoped you can get to a better place in your life.”

Johnson was sentenced to a maximum of four years and nine months behind bars.

He had served 384 days in pre-sentence detention.