UPDATE: A former pest controller has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for his role in a black market gun operation and for violently attacking an associate with a machete. Timothy Paul, 35, was found guilty of possessing three stolen firearms and recklessly causing injury during a brutal incident in Mulgrave.
In a shocking turn of events, Paul was sentenced on July 31, 2023, at the Victorian County Court after pleading guilty to charges that pose a significant risk to public safety. Just two months after his release from jail, he was living in a shed owned by co-accused Diesel Handley when he engaged in these criminal activities.
The case stems from a burglary in October 2022 when three men raided a home in Drouin, stealing valuable items including a World War II antique rifle. Paul was contacted to sell the stolen weapons, including a Sturm Ruger .300 Winchester rifle and a Stirling Model 14 .22 Rimfire rifle. He quickly found a buyer willing to pay $3,500 for the antique rifle but canceled the transaction when police conducted a routine bail check at Handley’s residence.
The situation escalated further when Paul accused one of the burglars of stealing $2,500 from the shed. Armed with a machete, he and Handley threatened the victim, behaving “like gangsters,” according to Judge Kevin Doyle. During the confrontation, Paul slashed the victim’s head, who later sought medical treatment at Dandenong Hospital.
This violent episode led to the victim cooperating with authorities, ultimately providing evidence against Paul and his associates. In light of his cooperation, the victim received a lighter sentence for his role in the Drouin burglary.
Judge Doyle acknowledged Paul’s troubled past, including a history of drug addiction and mental health issues stemming from personal losses. Despite these factors, the judge emphasized that Paul’s criminal behavior, including prior convictions for trafficking drugs and firearms, played a more significant role in his sentencing.
In addition to Paul’s sentence, Handley was also jailed for eight months for his involvement in the incident. The court’s decision highlights the ongoing issues related to illegal firearms and the dangers posed by individuals involved in the black market.
As the community grapples with the implications of this case, authorities continue to stress the importance of vigilance against such criminal activities. The impact of Paul’s actions has left a mark on local residents, emphasizing the urgent need for collective efforts to combat gun violence and criminal enterprises.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and its implications for public safety in the region.
