Samuel Vipond, 38, sentenced for firearm and drug offences while under police guard

A Shepparton man who had a “contract” on his head has been busted with guns and drugs while under police surveillance.

Samuel Vipond was found in possession of firearms and drugs while under surveillance by police.

A Shepparton man who was once told he had a “contract on his life” has been busted with guns and drugs while under police surveillance.

Samuel Vipond was sentenced at the Victorian County Court on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to possessing a trafficable quantity of firearms and trafficking methylamphetamine charges.

Vipond, who was under surveillance relating to offences committed in NSW, was arrested in March 2019.

He had attempted to climb the rear fence of a Shepparton property when he was arrested, with police — during a “pat down search” — finding multiple mobile phones, seven plastic bags containing 145g of methylamphetamine, digital scales and $8000 in cash.

The 38 year old’s vehicle was also searched where four firearms, various ammunition and firearm accessories were found inside.

The firearms included an under-and-over sawn off shotgun, a long arm bolt action sawn off rifle, a lever action sawn off rifle with pistol grip and a dismantled pump action rifle.

Three of the guns had ben reported as stolen.

Judge Pardeep Tiwana said Vipond would receive a lesser sentence due to the delays in court proceedings and his guilty plea.

The court heard the death of Vipond’s father had a profound impact on his life.

Samuel Vipond was sentenced to two years prison at the Melbourne County Court on Tuesday.

While at school he had aspirations to play AFL and was scouted by Sandringham before an ankle injury ended his prospects.

From the age of 22, he had consistently worked as a truck driver and at 27 he relocated from Melbourne to Shepparton.

He also spent time in Deniliquin which was where he was told by police there was a contract on his life.

Mr Tiwana said this made Vipond paranoid and his use of methylamphetamine dramatically increased, consuming two ounces of the drug a week.

He said Vipond had the firearms in his possession to feel secure due to the threat on his life.

“Hearing of firearms being driven around Shepparton creates fear among a law abiding community,” he said.

However, Mr Tiwana also said Vipond had a “genuine resolution to improve his life” and give back to the community.

The court heard Vipond had been consistently employed for the past two years and regularly volunteered in the community.

Mr Tiwana said this meant Vipond had positive prospects for rehabilitation.

He was sentenced to two years behind bars, with a minimum of 13 months non-parole.