A woman has been charged for multiple firearm offences following an ongoing RSPCA investigation into her Hovells Creek property.
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Lynette Jane Picker, 72, pleaded guilty to charges for not keeping firearm safely, category C licensee not complying with storage needs, and failing to produce registered firearm for inspection on demand in Crookwell Local Court on November 21.
Police facts tendered in court said on July 31, officers attached to the Hume Police District and Rural Crime Unit attended the property to assist with RSPCA livestock inspections.
Police became aware of at least one unsecured firearm and informed Picker the firearm would need to be secured before the RSPCA inspection could begin.
For 20 minutes, Picker failed to allow police to inspect the firearm.
Police found an under and over shotgun on the bedroom floor with unsecured ammunition on the kitchen table, and an unsecured savage .22 Hornet in the laundry behind the washing machine.
Picker produced a key to the gun safe where a further 10 registered guns were stored with ammunition.
She was served 24 notices following livestock welfare inspections by the RSPCA.
In court, Picker's solicitor said their client had experienced a distressing time due to the death of family members and the prolonged drought.
But a Department of Health psychiatrist assessed that Picker did not have mental health issues.
The shotgun found beside the bed had been used to shoot a fox shortly before the police visit, the solicitor said, and "she hadn't had the opportunity to put it away.
"The .22 Hornet was in the house unsecured and did not have ammunition with it and that particular firearm was incapable of working."
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie said Picker had a duty to ensure firearm safety.
"You've been allowed to have a firearm licence," Ms Beattie said. "The onus is on you to ensure firearm safety."
Ms Beattie sentenced Picker to a Community Correction Order of nine months for unsecured firearms, a $550 fine for not complying with storage needs, and a $550 fine for not producing registered firearms for inspection on demand by the police.
