Anti-gun academic Paul Wilson found guilty of child sex offences

Some of our more seasoned members might recall notorious anti-gun criminologist Paul Wilson, who was often quoted in the media arguing for a ban on civilian firearms ownership. He told News Corp in 1998 that “there are also strong lifesaving arguments for banning guns” and he even co-authored a paper listing ways to combat the rise of the ‘gun lobby’, specifically using the SSAA as an example.

Among his claims, Mr Wilson told the West Australian newspaper that: “Guns played a major role in the incidence of sexually violent crimes against women while pornography had no proven link.” Such outrageous claims are always challenged by the SSAA, especially when the claimant has a clear anti-gun agenda.

His days as a criminologist now appear over. Mr Wilson has been found guilty of four child sex charges against a young girl under the age of 12 dating back to the 1970s, with some details of the case graphic and abhorrent. The judge described Mr Wilson’s actions as “at times brazen” and he will spend six months in gaol at this stage, unless he lodges an appeal.

See the ABC’s coverage of the case for more details but be aware that some details may cause distress.

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