A Canberra vet has been fined and ordered to behave after she was caught treating animals while suspended.
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However, Janet (Jan) Spate, 73, has avoided conviction for two firearms charges.
Spate pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to charges of pretending to be a registered vet, providing regulated vet services, possessing prescription only medication, and failing to store registered firearms and ammunition correctly.
In 2016, Spate was suspended from practicing as a veterinarian for two years.
However, in November, authorities raided her home and former vet clinic in Hall to find evidence she had provided vet services, possessed schedule 4 substances, and incorrectly stored rifles and ammunition.
Spate first lied to police and then attempted to hide the medications during the search.
Police eventually locked her up to prevent her from attempting to conceal or destroy evidence.
During a sentence hearing, the court heard Spate had been a well-regarded Hall community stalwart and had operated as a vet in the area for 46 years.
Defence lawyer Tim Sharman presented the court with 1447 messages of support for Spate.
The nine references, 181 signatures to a petition of support, and 1477 messages of support via an online petition, all spoke of her love and care for animals.
Mr Sharman said it had been this commitment and lifelong pattern of helping those in need that had led to the offending, as Spate wanted to help those who had sought her assistance.
The defence lawyer said the offences had not been committed out of greed or a desire to promote herself.
Mr Sharman said the weapon charges had occurred after Spate had left keys in her vehicle as a result of the police raid.
He said his client would apply to regain her vet licence in October, when the two-year ban expired.
Prosecutor Anthony Williamson urged caution in relation to the messages of support, saying the case should not be reduced to a popularity contest.
Mr Williamson conceded Spate had received minimal financial gain for the illegal services and rated the offending as low-to-mid range.
In handing down sentence, Special Magistrate Ken Cush acknowledged Spate was a person held in high regard who put the welfare of animals above her own personal gain.
Mr Cush said Spate was seen as a martyr by her supporters.
"I’m not sure she deserves that," he said.
He said she had chosen to continue to practice as a vet, despite giving an undertaking not to until October.
Mr Cush said it had been concerning that Spate had not been forthright with police and instead attempted to hide her wrongdoing.
The magistrate recorded no conviction to the weapons charges due to the exceptional circumstances, however, ordered she sign a one-year good behaviour order.
Mr Cush convicted Spate on the vet charges and order she sign further one-year good behaviour orders.
He also fined her $1750 for possessing prescription only medication.
