Paul William Chesworth pleads not guilty to string of allegations after Wollongbar, northern NSW siege

Police allege a “bomb-making” engineer who sparked a northern NSW siege had access to more than 170 guns and planned to shock officers and family with electric “booby traps”. Read the latest.

Paul William Chesworth, 45, has been accused of setting electric shock traps at a Wollongbar property and sparking a siege. Picture: Facebook

An alleged “bomb-making” engineer has made a bid to be freed from custody as he is accused of sparking a Northern Rivers siege and rigging a property with electric shock “booby traps”.

Paul William Chesworth, 45, of McLeans Ridges faces a string of charges after a siege unfolded at a premises along the Bruxner Hwy in the town of Wollongbar, near Lismore, on November 23 last year.

Chesworth appeared at Ballina Local Court on Thursday. Picture: Facebook

Police allege Chesworth was responsible for the siege and it occurred while there were more than 170 guns registered to a family member on the property. Chesworth was allegedly found in a shed where the weapons were stored.

The busy Bruxner Highway and a TAFE campus were shut down and residents were warned to stay inside – but there was no wider risk to the public, police say.

“Numerous police resources” were tasked and looked for bombs.

Police allege Chesworth sent texts to family of traps and expressed thoughts of self-harm, prompting them to phone triple-0.

It’s alleged Chesworth sent images of explosives and detonators and that traps were set to catch out officers or family members.

Chesworth’s bail bid was heard at Ballina Local Court on Thursday over audiovisual link from prison, where he was remanded in custody.

Ballina Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Police prosecutor Sergeant Val Short told the court Chesworth could have killed someone with homemade devices including a 4000-volt electrical device capable of serious damage.

It’s alleged Chesworth had the “improvised taser device soldered on the door knob” of a caravan and it was “capable of causing extreme pain, respiratory arrest and severe muscular contractions”.

Chesworth has pleaded not guilty to possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit and placing or setting a trap with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm.

He also denied using a carriage service to make a hoax threat, as well as giving false information about a person in danger, and possessing the prohibited drug oxycodone.

Sgt Short said police opposed bail because Chesworth could be dangerous, particularly towards an alleged victim of a prior assault who lives at Casino.

It’s alleged Chesworth sparked the November 2023 siege which closed the busy Bruxner Highway at Wollongbar.

Chesworth has pleaded guilty to breaching an apprehended violence order and not guilty to reckless wounding in company, relating to an alleged October 3, 2023 attack.

It’s alleged the victim required a dozen stitches on his face.

Sgt Short alleged the caravan trap “transmitted 4000 volts” and “if you couldn’t release yourself, death would be possible”.

“There was a sign encouraging someone to press it,” she said.

Sgt Short said it was a “strong prosecution case” and Chesworth would likely be jailed if convicted.

Sgt Short said a second trap transmitted a lesser but still painful 2500 volts.

“Wollongbar had to be in lockdown to assert his arrest safety and officers were instructed by family he had a bomb-making hobby,” she told the court.

Wollongbar TAFE was locked down for hours during the siege. Picture: Andrew Trease/Supplied

Defence lawyer Philip Crick said Chesworth was on bail when he allegedly sparked the siege.

“He has a limited criminal history and was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for mental health at the time,” he said.

Mr Crick said Chesworth “will be raising self-defence” after suffering head injuries.

He alleged Chesworth was “assaulted while in custody and will be bringing in witnesses”.

Mr Crick said alcohol had been an issue for Chesworth, but he had sobered up in custody.

Chesworth’s sister was in the courtroom to support him.

Magistrate Karen Stafford acknowledged Chesworth was taken to hospital on mental health grounds after the alleged Wollongbar offending and his criminal record was limited.

But she added there was an “unacceptable risk” and spoke of “concerns” Chesworth could “endanger the safety of the victim for the Casino matters”, as well as the wider community.

She spoke of the alleged traps and attempt to shock officers and declared “for these reasons, your bail is refused”.

Hearing dates have been set down for October 4 and 18.