AN ARMIDALE woman has been fined $600 and put on a nine-month good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to selling or publicly exhibiting X-rated or refused classification DVDs.
Lisa Mooney was charged with one count of selling or publicly exhibiting films classified X 18-plus or refused classification on June 19 after a police raid on her Miller Street adult shop in May.
Ms Mooney faced Armidale Local Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 months' imprisonment or an $11,000 fine.
As sentencing was determined, the defence requested that Ms Mooney's co-operating with police be taken into consideration.
It was claimed that Ms Mooney was not aware that the films could not be sold and immediately admitted it to police. She also assisted police by showing them where the films were located in the store.
Magistrate Mark Richardson imposed a 9-month good behaviour bond on Ms Mooney and fined her $600, in addition to court costs. While he did not consider a sentence of imprisonment, he took into account Ms Mooney's need to care for her children and financial situation when making his decision.
After handing down the sentence, Magistrate Richardson said it was up to business owners to understand the laws and regulations governing their respective industries.
