A WOMAN kept a shortened .22 rifle on the back seat of her vehicle in case she needed to frighten people she thought might try to harm her, Wagga Local Court has been told.
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The claim was made on behalf of Canberra woman Lila Rosemary Walto by duty solicitor Max Staples during a bail application following Walto’s arrest in Edward Street early Monday morning.
Highway Patrol police stopped the Nissan 180SX Walto was driving about 12.45am.
After speaking with Walto, they found the .22 rifle wrapped in a towel on the back seat.
The rifle’s stock had been shortened.
The police search also revealed a small amount of methamphetamine, and traffic record checks found Walto was a suspended driver.
Walto appeared in court on Monday afternoon, weeping as her bail application was considered by magistrate Erin Kennedy.
Walto immediately pleaded guilty to six offences: possessing a shortened firearm without authority, not keeping a firearm safely, acquiring an unregistered firearm, possessing an unregistered firearm, possessing a prohibited drug and driving while suspended.
Mr Staples said Walto was a 22-year-old part-time chef in the ACT who had a limited record of traffic offences.
He said she was driving to see a friend in Urana when pulled over by police.
Mr Staples said Walto had no ammunition for the rifle, which she had obtained for her safety.
“She thought she could frighten people she thought wanted to harm her,” Mr Staples said.
He also said Walto instructed him she suffered from bipolar disorder and had not taken her medication since November, believing up to now the drugs were not doing her any good.
Ms Kennedy said although Walto had lots of subjective features in her favour, including next to no history of offending, she did not believe detention was not justified.
Walto will be sentenced next month.
