Ricky Taulapapa: Colyton man found with replica Glock pistol

A western Sydney dad has been sentenced for having a replica Glock pistol – having told police the weapon belonged to his “cousin’s kids”

A man has been sentenced for having a replica Glock pistol after having told police it belonged to his “cousin’s kids”.

Police had been called to a home where Ricky Taulapapa was staying in St Clair on December 13, 2020 in relation to an “unrelated matter,” the agreed facts read.

On arrival they found the 51-year-old Colyton man had facial injuries and they contacted an ambulance.

Police followed Taulapapa and paramedics into a bedroom to assess his injuries.

That’s when police found a replica “black Glock 25 pistol” sitting on a box.

The agreed facts state the replica firearm had an operating slide and could fire gel balls through the removable magazine.

Ricky Taulapapa appeared in Penrith Local Court after police discovered a replica Glock

Police seized the replica firearm but were unable to question Taulapapa at the scene as he was taken to Westmead Hospital for his injuries.

Police interviewed Mr Taulapapa at the St Clair property on December 21, 2020.

He said the pistol belonged to his cousin’s kids and that “it’s been there for the last two years”.

He added: “I didn’t realise that a toy gun is classed as a weapon. I was house sitting at my daughter’s place and it’s been sitting there for two or three years.”

Magistrate Alexander Mijovich said he felt a need to educate the community on the seriousness of owning replica firearms.

Taulapapa entered a plea of guilty to possession of an unauthorised firearm at Penrith Local Court on October 13.

He was convicted of possessing an unauthorised firearm and sentenced to a term of three months in prison, to be served in the community.