Sooke Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Neighbor Shooting Incident

UPDATE: A man from Sooke, British Columbia, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of shooting his neighbor, Anthony ‘Tony’ Nelson, on May 7, 2022. This urgent development was confirmed during a sentencing hearing on August 29, 2025, by Hon. Justice Sharon Matthews in a Victoria courtroom.

The incident escalated from a series of ongoing disputes between the neighbors. In a shocking twist, Paul Tregear, aged 58, initially claimed he shot at Nelson to warn him about a black bear. However, evidence revealed a much darker intention. Tregear fired a .22 rifle at Nelson, striking him in the stomach just five feet from his front door, prompting immediate medical attention.

Nelson was rushed to a hospital in Victoria, where he received urgent care for his injuries. Following the shooting, Tregear fled the scene, complicating the investigation. During his trial, Tregear pleaded not guilty and testified that he was the victim of an attack, but the jury found him guilty on four serious charges: possession of a firearm without a license, pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm with intent to wound, and aggravated assault.

In delivering the sentence, Justice Matthews stated, “I conclude that Mr. Tregear lied about the bear because he did go to the Nelsons’ property with his .22 rifle with the intention of shooting Mr. Nelson.” The court’s findings confirm the gravity of Tregear’s actions, highlighting the severe consequences of the violent confrontation.

Additionally, Tregear is required to forfeit the firearm and ammunition linked to this case, which will be disposed of as directed by the attorney general. He is prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms or related weapons for a period of ten years, with a lifetime ban on restricted firearms.

This case underscores the alarming reality of neighborhood disputes escalating into violence, raising concerns about community safety in rural areas. As the community processes this shocking event, the legal ramifications for Tregear serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such violent actions.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community reacts to this significant verdict.