Flagstone mum-of-one Michelle Sandra Tanson, 37, sentenced for rifle, meth possession

A 37-year-old mother busted with meth at work claimed crickets when cops found a semiautomatic rifle and 30 rounds of ammo “tucked behind” her rear seat, a court has heard.

The behaviour of a 37-year-old cleaner who drove with a semiautomatic rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition stashed behind her seat, has been described as a “disaster waiting to happen” by a court.

Flagstone mum-of-one Michelle Sandra Tanson copped a criminal conviction at her Beenleigh Magistrates Court appearance on Friday (July 8).

She pleaded guilty to seven charges.

They included unlawful possession of a category D weapon, three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing drug utensils and unlawful possession of explosives.

The court heard police uncovered an unsecured semiautomatic “long gun” and 30 rounds of ammunition stashed behind her Toyota’s back seat on November 21 in Flagstone.

Tanson admitted to its possession but claimed she was unaware of it being in her vehicle until it was found by police.

Flagstone mum-of-one Michelle Sandra Tanson, 37, leaves Beenleigh Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to possessing a semiautomatic rifle and methamphetamine.

She further claimed not to know whom it belonged to.

Police prosecutor Tim Wise said no inquiries were made by police to clarify its ownership and confirmed its serial numbers had not been removed.

The defendant was also found in possession of methamphetamine at her former workplace, Crystal Customs, and more of the same drug at another location, according to police.

Tanson had no criminal history in Queensland but did in New South Wales and the ACT.

Defence solicitor Steve McCrohon said the rifle was “tucked behind” his client’s rear seat and for that reason escaped her attention.

Mr McCrohon further said his client was extremely remorseful for her offending after moving to QLD for a fresh start with her teenage daughter.

She had fallen into poor company and an established drug addiction, the court heard.

The defence said Tanson had, however, since come off the drugs, was gainfully employed as cleaner and had accrued no further charges.

Magistrate Ron Kilner said it was hardly believable that someone would miss a rifle behind their seat.

“There are 30 rounds of ammunition with an unsecured semiautomatic rifle,” Mr Kilner said.

“It is a disaster waiting to happen.

“Running around with a gun in the back seat is not reassuring to the community, frankly.”

Tanson was sentenced to 18 months’ probation.

A conviction was recorded.