Paul Hanlon, a candidate for town council in Victoria, Newfoundland, has a criminal history that includes convictions for assault, a violent home invasion, and attempting to sell drugs to an undercover police officer. Despite this, Hanlon believes he deserves a second chance and is running for one of seven council seats in the small community about an hour's drive east of St. John's.
Background and Criminal Record
Hanlon, 59, served over two years in jail for his role in a masked home invasion in Victoria, where he and an accomplice beat two occupants. His criminal record dates back to early 2017, when he was sentenced for assault with a weapon and firearms storage violations stemming from a 2015 incident in which he struck a woman with a rock and damaged her vehicle. A gun was also recovered during that investigation.
While awaiting trial, Hanlon was arrested in March 2016 for breaching release conditions by entering a bar. Two months later, following a 30-day intermittent sentence, he was arrested again in connection with a 2015 incident where a man was shot with a sawed-off shotgun in Carbonear. It is unclear what sentence he received for those charges, which included multiple counts of assault with a weapon and firearm possession offenses.
Campaign Platform
Hanlon is running on a platform focused on replacing aging water and sewer infrastructure, creating groomed ATV trails connected to the East Coast Trail, and addressing fire break issues after wildfires destroyed parts of Conception Bay North last summer. His campaign slogan is “I get it done!!!” and he promises “a positive change.”
In correspondence with CBC, Hanlon stated, “I should have a chance to prove myself. It’s all about starting over.” He has not responded to repeated requests for comment from the National Post.
Election Context
The election is scheduled for Thursday. Hanlon is among several candidates vying for council seats in the local service district of Victoria. His candidacy has sparked debate in the community, with some residents questioning his suitability for public office given his criminal past.
