Shock new twist in case of American accused of smuggling a 24-carat golden gun through Sydney Airport
An American traveler will face trial in Australia after she was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle a 24-karat gold handgun into the country in her luggage.
Liliana Goodson was arrested at Sydney Airport on the afternoon of April 23 last year after Australian Border Police allegedly found a gold gun hidden in her carry-on luggage.
Police claim an X-ray machine at the busy airport detected the Colt 45-style pistol in her bag after she flew to Sydney from Los Angeles.
The 24-carat gold gun is worth more than $2,000 and was unloaded when authorities seized it.
Liliana Goodson (pictured) was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle a 24-karat gold pistol into the country in her luggage
The 29-year-old will fight the charges at a hearing after pleading not guilty to deliberately importing prohibited goods without consent
Australian Border Police x-rayed Goodson’s luggage and are said to have found the 24-carat pistol (pictured)
ABF officials claim Ms Goodson was not licensed to import or carry the unregistered weapon into Australia.
On Tuesday, Sydney Downing Center Local Court heard the 29-year-old will fight the charges at a hearing after pleading not guilty to deliberately importing prohibited goods without approval.
The court was told the two-day hearing will take place in August, more than a year after Ms Goodson was arrested while entering the country.
The US citizen asked Magistrate Susan Horan to vary her bail conditions after moving to accommodation in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
She previously told the court she had been homeless for several months and feared for her safety.
Magistrate Horan agreed to the change, noting that Ms Goodson would still have to make a police report every day.
The woman appeared pleased with the outcome as she left court wearing a long animal print dress, thigh-high boots and a furry headpiece.
She has been forced to surrender her passport and is not allowed to apply for a new one while she waits to fight the accusation against her.
The 29-year-old will return to court next month ahead of her hearing.
Liliana Goodson (pictured) returns to court next month ahead of her hearing
