Ex-Darwin councillor Paul Arnold to face court on DV charges

A prominent local business owner and recently-resigned councillor is due to face court on DV charges after being arrested outside his Smith St store.

Paul Arnold first appeared in the Darwin Local Court on April 28. Picture: Che Chorley

A prominent Darwin business owner and former councillor is due to face court after being arrested on domestic violence charges.

Paul Arnold is set to face the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday, charged with unlawful stalking and engage in conduct that contravenes a DVO.

It comes after NT Police arrested the 51-year-old man in the Smith St Mall on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation.

The artist and photographer first appeared in the Darwin Local Court on April 28 where he was served a domestic violence order.

The arrest comes just weeks after he suddenly resigned as a Lyons Ward councillor publicly citing mental health issues, which Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis immediately accepted.

It is understood about a month before his resignation he was served with the 12-month domestic violence order, refraining him from causing, threatening or attempting to cause harm to his former partner or her property.

Paul Arnold is a previous Pivot Grant recipient and prominent local artist.

He was also prohibited from intimidating, harassing or verbally abusing her, or exposing a protected person or child of hers to domestic violence.

Police confirmed inquires into the investigation were ongoing.

Mr Arnold, who owns the Paul Arnold Gallery in Smith St Mall, took to his business’ social media page last month addressing his departure from council.

“My mental health and wellbeing has suffered significantly over the past 12 months to the point I can longer perform the duties as a councillor as expected by the ratepayers of Darwin,” he said.

“My focus needs to my own mental health, my family and friends my business and staff.

“It will take time to repair and rebuild my mental state but I have an amazing network around me and I am grateful for that.”

Paul Arnold's Smith St business was closed on Tuesday afternoon after his arrest. Picture: Nathaniel Chambers

Mr Arnold picked up his councillor position in a 2020 by-election before successfully recontesting in the council-wide election the following year.

He represented inner-city suburbs including Larrakeyah, Parap and Stuart Park as well as the CBD and was a vocal advocate for reducing anti-social behaviour.

Mr Vatskalis thanked Mr Arnold for his work as a councillor when he resigned.

“I understand the reasons behind Paul’s resignation and praise him for his continued efforts to represent his constituents and make Darwin a better place to live, work and play,” he said.

Mr Arnold was formerly in the Defence Force and has long been a prominent local photographer and business owner.

His Smith St business has also been undergoing an expansion.

The gallery was closed on Tuesday afternoon.