Woman fined for bringing pepper spray to court

A 25-year-old woman who walked into Geraldton Courthouse with a small can of pepper spray has been fined $800.

Geraldton Magistrate’s Court was told security officers found the can when they searched Sarah May Dodd’s handbag on July 27 this year.

She later told police she was given the can for personal protection.

Dodd pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a controlled weapon when the case went before the court last week.

Magistrate Donna Webb said it was not Dodd’s first offence and bringing the pepper spray into a courthouse was a significant aggravating factor.

“There is an element of deterrence that relates to the fine,” she said.

Dodd was also ordered to pay $169.10 in court costs.