Police allege multiple firearms parts were imported from overseas before being found at 54-year-old Paul Richard Kingston’s home in Calwell. Photos: ACT Policing.
An Australian Defence Force veteran has been accused of importing 3D-printed firearm parts, as well as stockpiling prohibited items that could be used as weapons.
It is alleged that between November and December 2024 and in April 2025, Paul Richard Kingston imported and attempted to import multiple firearms parts from overseas.
The attempted imports were seized by Australian Border Force officers and analysed by forensic firearms examiners with the Australian Federal Police, who determined the parts could be used to construct homemade firearms, an ACT Policing spokesperson alleged.
Police raided Mr Kingston’s home in Calwell on Tuesday (10 June), where they allegedly found two 3D printers, 3D printed firearms, inert hand grenades, firearm suppressors and two ballistic vests.
They also allegedly found four replica firearms, firearm magazines and a large quantity of ammunition.
Mr Kingston was charged with five counts of importing prohibited imports as well as single counts of possessing firearms, possessing a prohibited firearm, possessing a spare barrel for a firearm and possessing ammunition.
When the 54-year-old, who served overseas with the ADF in the 1990s, faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday (11 June) and applied for bail, the court heard his firearm licence had been revoked in 2024.
It was alleged he tried to purchase firearm parts from China.
The court also heard the items he was accused of possessing included a replica AK-47, three imitation revolvers or pistols, a slingshot with an arm brace, 3D printed firearm suppressors, two body armour vests and a range of ammunition.
Paul Richard Kingston, 54, has been granted bail by the ACT Magistrates Court. Photo: Albert McKnight.
Sarah Higgs of Hugo Law Group, appearing for Mr Kingston, said when taking the prosecution’s case at its highest, the allegations seemed “like a hobby that has gone too far” and there was no suggestion he had been using firearms to commit crimes.
She stated that an AFP expert examined some of the barrels allegedly imported by her client and found that they were not suitable for use as firearm barrels.
Ms Higgs also said the police did not oppose her client getting bail and she argued he presented a minimal risk to the community as police had seized all the items.
But the prosecutor opposed bail, arguing “even a replica weapon is still able to cause damage” and said a replica firearm was still “workable”.
There was a reason why gel blasters were prohibited, she said.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences took place over a long period, argued Mr Kingston had been on notice he should not have possessed the items as his firearms licence had been revoked and she alleged the possession of ammunition made the weapons usable.
Magistrate Alexandra Burt said it was alleged he possessed “a fairly extensive collection of items”.
She said there were clear public safety issues that arose from an unlicensed person possessing items like what had been alleged.
She ultimately thought that while there were risks to granting him bail, they were not enough to justify remanding him in custody and granted him bail on conditions, including that he not possess a 3D printer.
The matter was adjourned to 3 July. No pleas were entered.
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