Paula Philp jailed over violent aggravated burglary in Mildura, bailed as she appeals sentence

A Mildura woman sobbed in court as the details of a violent home invasion were read aloud — now she’s back on the streets as she appeals the severity of her sentence.

Paula Philp has been granted appeal bail after receiving a four and a half month sentence for her role in an aggravated burglary that saw a mum bashed in front of her kids. Picture: Generic

A Mildura woman found guilty for her role in a violent aggravated burglary that saw a mum bashed in front of her kids has been granted bail as she appeals her four-and-a-half-month jail sentence.

Paula Philp, 31, fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court applying for appeal bail after pleading guilty to a string of offences earlier this year, including aggravated burglary, theft, and shop theft.

One of the incidents involved Philp and a co-accused entering a home on Eighth St on May 28, 2023. During the break-in, the female occupant was assaulted in front of her two young children by Philp’s co-accused. Philp stole a Guess handbag and $80 in cash.

When the summary of that incident was read out during her February plea, Philp broke down in tears.

Philp also pleaded guilty to stealing from businesses across Mildura, including Mallee Bearings, Harvey Norman and KFC.

Paula Philp Picture: Facebook

In July 2023, she used a stolen credit card to buy more than $900 worth of goods alongside a co-accused.

In November 2024, she stole a $3000 bicycle from outside a Woolworths. She later stole laptops and building materials worth $8000 from a construction site.

In court on Monday, defence lawyer Asha Zomer told the magistrate Philp’s County Court appeal was unlikely to be heard before she finished her sentence, adding that she had been given dates in both July and September as possible dates for the appeal hearing.

It was put to the court that Philp would remain in Melbourne while awaiting her appeal, where she would continue receiving treatment.

Police opposed her release, but conceded that staying out of Mildura would address many of their concerns.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan granted bail, offering Philp pointed advice.

“If you keep out of trouble, the prospects are you won’t have to spend any further time in custody,” he said.

Philp was bailed to a Melbourne address and must notify police of any change in residence as she awaits her County Court appeal.