A Fraserburgh woman caught with a pickaxe in her car told police it was for protection, a court has heard.
Beverley Cowe was stopped by police on February 21, who discovered the weapon in the footwell of her car.
Yesterday, the 49-year-old appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court and admitted having the weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse.
The court heard Cowe had told officers she had the tool as a means of protection against Liverpudlians who may be in the area.
When officers started asking questions about the axe, she said: “It’s mine for protection against the Scousers.”
On Tuesday, her solicitor Sam Milligan said she has come to regret what was meant to be taken as a “throwaway remark”.
“The initial focus of police interest was on the male, front-seat passenger,” he said.
“It (the pickaxe) is underneath items in the front passenger footwell.
“To say she regrets her attempt at humour would be an understatement.”
Mr Milligan also described her previous convictions, which were not read out at court, as being “vintage” and said they were not for crimes of “proper violence”.
Sheriff Christine McCrossan fined Cowe £600 and warned her that she could have faced a much stiffer penalty.
“I would consider this to be more serious than Miss Cowe may,” she said.
“I would point out to you that the penalty for this can be a year in prison and a fine of up to £10,000.”
As part of her punishment, Cowe, of Murison Place, Fraserburgh, will also be required to give up the pickaxe to the Crown.
