Peter Russell Williams in court for weapon possession, dealing

The owner of a mowing business has faced court on multiple charges, including his attempts to sell a shotgun originally planned to be part of a wooden Ned Kelly statue.

Peter Russell Williams, 34 of Victory Heights, faced Gympie District Court Thursday over the planned deal in August 2021, which the court heard ultimately did not go through.

The 34-year-old owner of a lawn mowing company has avoided further jail time after spending nine months behind bars for trying to sell a shotgun.

Peter Russell Williams, of Victory Heights, faced Gympie District Court on Thursday over the planned deal in August 2021, which the court heard ultimately did not go through.

Williams had tried to sell the weapon after responding to a message from the potential buyer sent to multiple people.

The court was told Williams had the weapon as it was to be used as part of a wooden Ned Kelly statue in his possession.

His lawyer said the 34-year-old had been “foolish”.

Police prosecutor Christie Nicola said Williams’ criminal history dated back to 2008, when he was 18, and included entries for marijuana and diazepam possession.

When police arrived at his home as part of their investigations into the shotgun deal, Williams tried to block their entry, Ms Nicola said.

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Peter Russell Williams, 34 of Victory Heights, faced Gympie District Court on April 18, 2024, over the planned deal in August 2021, which the court heard ultimately did not go through.

Judge Brad Farr said Williams may not have actually sold the weapon in the end, but he “made it very clear you had a shotgun and were willing to sell it”.

There had been negotiations over the price, until the buyer pulled out of the deal.

Judge Farr said Williams had the support of friends and family, and his own business, showing “everything was there” for him to turn his life around.

What should not be needed was someone to lay it all out for him.

“You’re old enough to work it out for yourself,” Judge Farr said.

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Williams pleaded guilty to a string of charges including unlawful supply of a weapon, unlawful possession of a shotgun, unlawful possession of shotgun ammunition, unlawful possession of an electric anti-person device (taser), contravening police orders to unlock an electronic device, two counts of possessing dangerous drugs,and one count of obstructing police.

He was sentenced to 18 months jail, but having already served about nine months in pre-sentence custody, was given an immediate parole release date and allowed to walk free from the court following his appearance.