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Byron Shire
August 29, 2026

‘Mullum man took five guns from reno ceiling

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A 41-year-old man charged with possession of unregistered firearms is to serve a community corrections order after appearing in the Mullumbimby Local Court last week.

Phillip Scott Johnson, who the court heard has lived in Mullumbimby for several years, pleaded guilty to possession of five unregistered firearms.

Police arrested him in late October as part of a week-long police operation investigating criminal groups and carrying out raids related to the trade of suspected illicit tobacco and vape products.

Officers said they found the guns when carrying out a search warrant at Mr Johnson’s home on 25 October.

The accused man told police he had taken them from a roof cavity on a property that was being renovated and that he’d had the guns for a while.

The court heard he had rifles, but didn’t have any pistols, meaning each of the five counted offences were considered below mid-range.

The court ordered a six-month immediate conditional release from 3 December and surrender of Mr Johnson’s firearm licence.

He was also sentenced to a twelve-month community correction order.



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