Teenager accused of trying to burn home took video as victims tried to put out fire, court hears

A heavily tattooed teenager who is alleged to have set fire to a mother-of-two's southern Sydney home while she was inside took a video "mocking" his victims as he drove past the burning house, a court has heard.

Police allege Jordan Correia, 19, turned up at the mother's home at Reede St in Turella at around 9pm on Tuesday in his silver Toyota.

Sutherland Local Court heard on Wednesday that the Bexley teenager — sat sporting a neck tattoo which reads "mi vida loca", Spanish for "my crazy life", and blue overalls in court — poured petrol around the home, while two people were inside, and lit a fire.

Magistrate Jayeann Carney said nearby witnesses saw smoke filling the street and ran over to help put the fire — that was burning through the victim's front lawn, news.com.au reports.

The court then heard Correia — who works in transport and removal with his dad's business — drove past as neighbours and the victims were trying to fight the fire and began filming himself.

Police allege the fire and Correia sitting in the driver's seat of the car can be seen in the video.

"Shhh, don't say anything," Correia allegedly said in the video, according to details read out by Magistrate Carney in court.

"The accused showed no concern for the welfare of the victims (as he drove past)," police wrote in court documents.

Police found Correia later and officers allege he smelled strongly of petrol.

Police say they found the footage of the fire on Correia's phone and location services placed him in Reede St at the time of the offence.

The court heard the teenager — who has previously been charged with damage to property by fire in 2015 — may have carried out the alleged crime as an act of retribution for something that happened to his mate earlier in the day.

"The fire came within centimetres of the occupant's vehicle and was only extinguished as a result of the actions of nearby witnesses," court documents state.

Police charged Correia with destroying property using fire and he faces up to 11 years in prison if found guilty.

The court heard the teenager doesn't drink or take drugs, and that he has no history of mental health issues.

He has not yet entered a plea and returns to court next week.