That came immediately after Cherie Inez James told them how she “feared for her safety from men in general”.

The officers suspected James was affected by illicit drugs because she was “behaving in an erratic manner, talking fast” and she constantly changed the topic of conversation.

After arresting her over what they called an electronic control device, they asked if she had anything else “she shouldn’t have”.

Out came a small, clear resealable bag containing 0.09 grams of methamphetamine, some of which she admitted having smoked in the previous 24 hours.

Taser is the brand name for a weapon that fires barbs attached by wires to batteries, causing temporary paralysis.

Police across all jurisdictions use the weapons, but it is illegal, for example, for members of the public to possess one under the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998.

James pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court on Monday to possessing a prohibited drug and to possess or use a prohibited weapon without a permit.

Magistrate Rodney Brender asked her why she had the weapon.

MORE COURT

After apologising for it and “for scaring the officer”, James said it was “just to make me feel safe.”

“I have had it for a while, for over a year. I wasn’t expecting to use it on anyone.”

Police said James, 37, had a “lengthy criminal history” and was already on a good behaviour bond at the time of her latest offending.

They went to her home on August 1 just after 10am over another matter.

James was convicted and placed on a 12-month Community Corrections order on the weapon charge and fined $300 for possessing the methamphetamine.