Katie Johnston: Mum of three busted with stash of guns, ammunition and ski masks

A mother of three who was found carrying illegal guns, ammunition, black ski masks and duct tape for a suspected revenge attack has been released on a suspended sentence.

A mother of three who was found carrying illegal guns, ammunition, black ski masks and duct tape for a suspected revenge attack has been released on a suspended sentence.

Katie Michelle Johnston pleaded guilty to multiple weapons-related charges in the district court at Beenleigh on Friday.

The charges included: possessing a weapon with altered identification marks, carry a weapon in a public place while loaded or capable of being discharged, unlawful possession of weapons (short firearm in public), unlawful supply of weapon, authority required to possess explosives and possess by day instrument of housebreaking with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The court heard police found Johnston in possession of two guns, shotgun shells and a shoulder bag that contained 34 22-calibre rim-fire ammunition.

Police also four three black ski masks, duct tape, disposable gloves, a torch and a pair of scissors in her possession.

The mum told police that the guns were hers and police confirmed that both guns were capable of firing ammunition.

During a police interview, Johnston said she was collecting the guns for a male associate who had been attacked by some people the same day.

Judge Craig Chowdhury said it was lucky that police had intercepted Johnston and the man when they did.

“There’s clearly planning to commit serious violence with weapons on the people who attacked him earlier that day,” he said.

“I suspect there would have serious violence done, if not killings done.

“It’s a matter of extraordinary concern that this type of weaponry and ammunition can be illegally obtained and possessed in the community.

“We’re not like the United States thank goodness but when illegal weapons get in the hands of drug-affected criminals, innocent people can be affected.”

Johnston’s lawyers told the court she had been diagnosed with schizophrenia

She was placed on a six month suspended sentence of imprisonment.