Conviction of Paul Arnold
Paul Arnold, a former Darwin councillor and gallery owner, was found guilty of domestic violence charges more than a month ago. The charges were related to his relationship with Leanne Thompson.
In November, Darwin Local Court Judge Therese Austin found Arnold guilty on over a dozen charges, which included:
- Assault
- Deprivation of liberty
- Damage to property
- Stalking
- Breaching a domestic violence order
The majority of these charges stemmed from seven separate incidents during Arnold and Ms. Thompson's 18-month relationship, which concluded in March 2023. Arnold, 54, pleaded guilty to two counts of damage to property but entered not guilty pleas to all other charges. During his testimony, he denied ever being physically violent toward Ms. Thompson.
Specific incidents detailed in court included Arnold pushing Ms. Thompson into a towel rack, headbutting her, and throwing her make-up bag on the ground. In a separate event, Arnold took Ms. Thompson's phone and prevented her from leaving his bedroom. In her sentencing remarks, Judge Austin described Arnold's behavior on various occasions as "aggressive," "violent," and "intimidating."
Judge Austin determined that, following the breakdown of their relationship, Arnold "pressured and intimidated" Ms. Thompson to achieve his desired outcome, specifically to resume and maintain their relationship. The judge also found that Arnold threatened and intimidated Ms. Thompson to "cause fear about continuing with criminal charges."
Arnold's Background and Financial Information
Paul Arnold, an award-winning landscape photographer, served as a City of Darwin councillor for three years before his resignation in May 2023. He also owned a gallery in Darwin's CBD, which has since entered financial collapse. ASIC documents indicate a liquidator was appointed in August 2025. Records further show Arnold owes more than $350,000 to various companies, including $125,000 to Paspaley.
Leanne Thompson's Court Process
Ms. Thompson opted not to conceal her identity as a protected witness and instead gave evidence in court. She testified for five days and delivered a victim impact statement before the court on the day of the guilty verdict. Ms. Thompson described the court process as "stressful and deeply humiliating," but also stated she found it "empowering" to recount her experiences and their impact.
The legal proceedings faced multiple delays, extending for almost two years. After closing statements, a verdict was handed down 13 months later. Ms. Thompson stated that despite the lengthy court process, she considered it worthwhile, noting, "The evidence spoke louder than his lies."
Regarding her response to the guilty verdict, Ms. Thompson indicated that her feelings were not as she had initially anticipated. She described feeling a primary sense of relief, stating, "Relief that the process is over, relief that the truth is out there."
Nature of the Abuse
Ms. Thompson commented on the progression of the abuse, stating that while moments of physical violence were distinct and describable, the abuse did not commence with such acts. She noted that "the subtle controls that start slowly" occurred as "Your boundaries are being tested and then they're being broken."