Woman in spray fine

A WOMAN caught in possession of capsicum spray and antidepressants has been let off with a fine, after successfully arguing she needed the restricted weapon to protect herself against a violent partner.

The woman, 40, was stopped by police on the Bruce Highway on January 6 and a search of her vehicle revealed a single blister pack of diazepam, better known as Valium, and a spray can of capsicum spray.

She pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of a category D, H or R weapon in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court was told the woman, who had no previous criminal history, had been given the capsicum spray a few weeks earlier to protect herself against a former partner who had a history of violence and was about to be released from prison.

In Queensland, capsicum spray is considered an “offensive weapon” and can’t be carried for self-defence.

Magistrate Steven Mosch took into account the woman’s clean criminal record and personal circumstance and imposed a fine of $500 with no conviction recorded.