BREAKING: A former pest controller, Timothy Paul, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for his role in a black-market gun operation and for violently attacking an associate in Mulgrave. Paul, aged 35, was found guilty of possessing a traffickable amount of firearms and recklessly causing injury—a shocking case that highlights serious public safety risks.
This urgent development comes after Paul was convicted in the Victorian County Court on July 31. The judge emphasized that Paul sought to sell stolen firearms, including a WWII antique rifle, creating an “obvious” danger to the community. Just two months out of prison, he was living with co-accused Diesel Handley when he became involved in this criminal activity.
In October 2022, Paul was contacted by three men who had burglarized a home in Drouin, stealing valuable items including silver bullion and multiple firearms. They intended to split the profits from the sale of these weapons with Paul, who quickly identified a buyer for the antique Enfield MK3 .303 rifle, potentially worth $3,500. However, their operation came to an abrupt halt when police conducted a routine check, leading to a narrow escape for the group.
Later that day, Paul confronted one of the burglars, accusing him of stealing $2,500 from him. Armed with a machete and accompanied by Handley wielding a truncheon, they threatened the victim in a brutal interrogation, described by the judge as behaving “like gangsters.” Despite attempts to evade injury, the victim sustained a serious cut to the back of his head and was later hospitalized.
The victim eventually cooperated with authorities, leading to charges against Paul, Handley, and another co-accused, Joseph Eydems. The victim’s decision to testify significantly decreased his own sentence for the burglary, showcasing the complex web of crime and consequence at play.
Judge Kevin Doyle noted Paul’s troubled past, which included a struggle with drug addiction exacerbated by personal tragedies, including the loss of loved ones. Despite these factors, the judge stated that they did not excuse Paul’s criminal behavior, especially given his previous convictions for trafficking meth and other drugs.
The court highlighted that Paul has spent most of the last four years in custody, raising concerns about his potential for rehabilitation and the risk of becoming “institutionalized.” His sentence includes 343 days already served, with a non-parole period set at 18 months. Handley, for his part in the violent incident, received an eight-month sentence for recklessly causing injury.
As communities remain on edge, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal firearms and violent crime. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to gun trafficking and violence in their neighborhoods.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned as we bring you the latest information.
