A 32-year-old Canberra man who poured petrol over a man and his dog before opening a lighter during a violent home invasion has been sentenced to more than six years in jail.
The ACT Supreme Court heard Robert Smith arrived at the house in Kambah in Canberra's south in early September 2020 in a stolen vehicle with a co-accused before the two entered the house wearing balaclavas.
The pair demanded money and tied up the two male housemates using iPhone cords and extension cables so they were free to raid the home.
But the court heard one of the men was able to escape to a neighbour's home, who called the police.
After the housemate escaped, Smith proceeded to pour petrol over the other victim, his dog and the man's bed and opened a lighter before the victim kicked him in the stomach, forcing him backwards out of the room.
Smith allegedly attempted to get into the room, which the man had barricaded, for 30 seconds before leaving.
He was arrested by police a few days afterwards.
He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but mid-way through a jury trial, Smith pleaded guilty to charges of riding in a motor vehicle without consent, aggravated burglary, attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and theft.
Smith's lawyer James Sabharwal said his client had a disadvantaged background and requested a lower parole period to help him "reintegrate into society".
"He wishes to change his life upon release," he said.
But Justice Norrish described Mr Smith's offending as "entirely unjustified".
"There can be no excuse for it," he said.
Justice Norrish also noted the impact the "home invasion" had on the victims' lives.
Smith was sentenced to six years and seven months in jail. He will be eligible for parole in 2025.
