The original post: /r/nottheonion by /u/Hungry-Concern-9217 on 2024-12-09 11:01:16.

A U.S. woman, Liliana Goodson, was sentenced to a year in jail in Australia for illegally importing a gold-plated pistol and ammunition, despite claiming she brought the weapon for protection. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to serve four months in full-time custody.

Goodson, 30, was arrested in April 2023 at Sydney airport after customs officers found the 24-carat gold-plated gun, valued at $3,000, in her luggage. When asked at the airport if she was carrying any prohibited items with her, Goodson claimed she was not, the court was told. What about the gun in your bag?” she was asked by a customs officer. Goodson replied: “Oh yeah, I forgot about that. She admitted searching online, “Can I have a gun in my suitcase?” and setting a reminder to “put gun in suitcase”.

Goodson told officers she traveled to Australia to attend clown school and hoped displaying the gun would deter threats, saying, “If that didn’t do it, I would probably just pistol whip.” She planned to store the gun under a vehicle seat while in the country.

Magistrate Susan Horan emphasized Australia’s strict stance against firearms, adding, “There was a strong need to deter others… which could only be achieved by way of a period of incarceration.” Prosecutors noted the gun’s appearance would “terrify members of the community.”

Goodson was also reported to have a history of using psychedelic drugs, synthetic cannabis, and crystal methamphetamine.