Bondi home fire Friendly Jordies
Share this @internewscast.com

Just minutes before receiving yet another extended prison sentence, the arsonist known for lighting fires to intimidate, who ignited the residence of a well-known YouTuber, expressed his heartfelt apologies.

Jordan Shanks, more widely recognized as FriendlyJordies online, had been producing content about vibrant figures in Sydney when his Bondi home was targeted by arsonists in 2022.

The front verandah and door were destroyed, the bedroom and hallway damaged, and smoke damage occurred to the neighbour’s property.

Bondi home fire Friendly Jordies
Jordan Shanks’ Bondi home on fire in 2022.(AAP Image/Luke Costin)

Tauese-Auelua has not been accused of being an Alameddine gang member.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to destroying property by fire in company and reckless wounding in a separate for-hired attack in 2022.

In that matter, a man whose relationship with a property developer had broken down was set upon by Tauese-Auelua and others with baseball bats.

Judge McHugh jailed Tauese-Auelua for five years, noting the 39-year-old criminal history contained “lots of violence”.

“He’s being used as muscle for third parties to … harm others,” Judge McHugh said.

The judge found Tauese-Auelua had a significant level of insight into his conduct but noted he had poor prospects of rehabilitation.

He has been diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and antisocial personality disorder.

Defence barrister Alex Cassels described his client’s mental state as “a little boy in a very large body”.

With 15 months in custody already served, Tauese-Auelua will be eligible for parole in July 2027.

Prosecutors on Friday dropped the case against a second man charged over the 2022 arson attack due to insufficient evidence.

At a bail hearing in October 2023, Andre Stepanyan’s lawyer said there was nothing to show he was in the vehicle travelling to Shanks’ home.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
PM wants quick fix to Chinese ban on BHP iron ore cargoes

Prime Minister Seeks Rapid Solution to China’s Ban on BHP Iron Ore Shipments

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concern today over reports that BHP,…
Ringleader behind the world's biggest cryptocurrency fraud convicted

Mastermind of Largest Global Cryptocurrency Scam Found Guilty

UK police have made what is believed to be the world’s biggest…

Earthquake in the Philippines Leaves 69 Dead and Hospitals Overrun with Injured Patients

At least 69 people have died after a powerful earthquake hit central…

Gaza Peace Plan Awaits Hamas Decision Following Support from Trump and Netanyahu

A US-sponsored ceasefire proposal for Gaza is hinging on Hamas’s response to…
Photo of Trump team member's phone reveals major concerns

Photo of Phone from Trump Team Member Raises Significant Concerns

A member of the Trump administration has seemingly raised a red flag…
Governer of the Reserve Bank of Australia Michele Bullock,  speaks at a media conference  on Monetary Policy Decision, Sydney, 30 September 2025.

RBA’s Early Christmas Gift: From Sure Bet to Coin Toss

A mere matter of weeks ago, experts were expecting an early Christmas…

Chalmers disappointed as Reserve Bank keeps interest rate unchanged in Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) chose to keep the cash rate…

JK Rowling Criticizes Emma Watson for ‘Lack of Understanding’ in Trans Rights Debate

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling criticized Emma Watson for her thoughts on…
Emma Watson

“JK Rowling Criticizes Harry Potter Star in Harsh Response”

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has penned a long and scathing message…
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu

Hamas Under Strain: Urged to Consider Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal

After enduring months of allegations regarding genocide, global isolation, and worldwide demands…
Fans have turned on Keith Urban after it was revealed he has split from his wife of 19 years, Nicole Kidman. The New Zealand-born singer, 57, was inundated with comments on his Instagram, with a slew of admirers begging him to reunite with his 58-year-old actress wife. Recent posts have been utterly swamped with fans sharing their grief over the breakup.

Fans React to Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman’s Split

Fans have turned against Keith Urban following news of his separation from…
A newly installed flag pole stands on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. Government Shuts Down Following Congressional Stalemate

The US government has entered a shutdown for the first time in…