An American woman, Liliana Goodson, 30, has been sentenced to a year in prison in Australia for attempting to bring a gold-plated gun into the country. The incident occurred in April last year when Goodson flew from Florida to Australia to attend a clown school, as reported by The Telegraph. She was arrested at the Sydney Airport after Australian Border Force officers discovered a customized gold-plated Colt .45-style pistol hidden in her hand luggage. Goodson pleaded guilty to charges of illegally importing an unauthorized firearm as well as ammunition and was sentenced by Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.
The Discovery of the Gold-Plated Gun
The gun was discovered when it passed through an X-ray machine at the airport. When a Border Force officer asked Goodson if she had a gun, she responded, “Oh yeah, I forgot about that,” according to news.com.au. Police later found that she had searched online to see if it were legal to have a gun in her suitcase, as well as made a calendar reminder to “put gun in suitcase.”
Goodson’s Sentencing and Fine
Goodson was immediately taken into custody to start her sentence, of which four months will be served in full-time custody, according to The Guardian. In addition to the one-year prison term, she was also fined $1,000 and ordered to get drug counseling upon her release. The magistrate who oversaw Goodson’s sentencing, Susan Horan, said that her decision was necessary so that others would refrain from committing similar offenses, reportedly saying, “Australia has a strong stance against firearms.”
Goodson’s Intended Use of the Gun
Goodson reportedly told authorities that she was “scared” of shooting the weapon and hoped to only use it as a visual deterrent if need be. Despite her intentions, the seriousness of the offense led to her conviction and sentencing.
This incident serves as a reminder of the strict laws and regulations surrounding firearms in Australia, and the consequences that can result from attempting to bypass them. It highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to the laws of the country one is visiting, as ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to serious offenses like this. Let this be a cautionary tale for travelers everywhere to always check and comply with local laws and regulations to avoid finding themselves in a similar situation.
