- Jordan Shark’s house targeted in 2022
- Gasoline allegedly used in arson attack
Gasoline was used in an arson attack on FriendlyJordies’ home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in what was the second attempt to burn down the comedian’s home in a week, court documents have revealed.
The Bondi home of Jordan Shanks, better known as FriendlyJordies, was the target of two deliberately set fires in November 2022.
Shanks was not home when it was set on fire for the second time on November 22, and the fire burned the terrace, front door and master bedroom.
Their home was deemed uninhabitable due to the damage, while a neighboring property also suffered smoke damage.
Andre Stepanyan, 38, was charged in June for his alleged role in the second fire and is accused of being one of three men involved in setting fire to the property.
He has been charged with destroying company property by fire and participating in a criminal group and was released on bail earlier this month following an application to the New South Wales Supreme Court.
Police have alleged he was a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang, however the court heard he claimed he was never a fully patched member.
Additionally, his lawyer Bianca Barnes told court earlier this month that he had since “disassociated” himself from the gang.
The home of Jordan Shanks, better known as FriendlyJordies, was the target of two deliberately set fires in November 2022.
Andre Stepanyan was charged with the second fire. Image: Supplied/Instagram.
According to allegations contained in a police statement of facts submitted to the Supreme Court, Stepanyan, his co-accused Tufi Junior Tauese-Auelua and another man, who has not yet been identified, are alleged to have set fire to Mr Shanks’ home. shortly after midnight on November 23.
It is alleged that on the night of November 22, 2022, Stepanyan drove his white Holden Caprice sedan to Rhodes, where he encountered a group of men.
They then drove to the Bondi area, where they changed vehicles for a stolen black Mercedes, which had cloned plates.
Police have alleged that shortly after midnight three men – including Stepanyan – got out of the stolen car and “poured a liquid accelerant on a table on the porch” of Shanks’ Bondi home, setting it on fire.
Three men were seen running from the scene towards the Mercedes Benz and the alarm was activated when a resident woke up due to the smell of smoke.
A resident tried to put out the fire with a garden hose, but emergency services had to be called when the flames got out of control.
Jordan Shanks’ Bondi home was damaged in the attack.
Stepanyan was arrested in June and the court heard the matter may not go to trial until October next year.
He still has to file returns.
The home was deemed uninhabitable due to the damage and a neighboring property also suffered smoke damage.
A forensic analysis found traces of gasoline at the scene and when the Mercedes Benz was found abandoned, a bottle containing a small amount of gasoline was found inside.
Shanks’ home was first damaged on November 17.
Shanks woke up to a bright light outside his living room window after his doormat was set on fire, according to court documents.
He used water to put out the small fire and reported it to the police the next day.
There were also burn marks inside his bathroom, an open window and burnt flares were found at the scene.
Jordan Shanks’ home was the target of two arson attacks. Image: NewsWire/Damian Shaw.
Judge Sarah McNaughton earlier this month agreed to release Stepanyan on conditional bail, including that he be of good behaviour, report to police daily and abide by home detention.
You should also not come within one kilometer of the crime scene, do not use encrypted applications and do not enter any international exit points.
He will return to court in November.
