A SUSPECTED plot to attack the Pope was foiled by police, it was alleged in court.

Pauline Lunney had allegedly planned to assassinate the Pontiff during last week's State visit to Britain.

But when Lunney confessed her desires police were alerted.

Officers searched the 56-year-old's home in Ridley Avenue, Wallsend, where they found an imitation gun and an overnight bus ticket to London.

Mark Harrison, defending, told North Tyneside magistrates Lunney had no intention of carrying out her threats.

He told the bench her only intention had been to join a protest march in London on Saturday from Hyde Park.

Mr Harrison said Lunney would deny a charge of threatening to kill the Pope when she eventually stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Fiona Varley, prosecuting, told the court: "This case relates to threats to kill the Pope last Wednesday.

"The allegation is that the suspect said she was intending to go to London on Saturday and she wanted to shoot the Pope.

"She was arrested and her home searched and an imitation gun was found.

"She also had a National Express ticket for London for Friday night arriving on Saturday morning, which indicates an intention and a degree of planning."

Mr Harrison told the court Lunney had never been in trouble before.

But the arrival of Benedict XVI had stirred up memories of an "exceptionally unhappy upbringing".

He said the issue of the firearm was a "red herring" and police were satisfied she had no intention of taking the imitation gun with her to London.

"Her only intention was to travel to London to join the protest march to Hyde Park.

"There was no intention, either, to make good her threats," he said.

Lunney must return to the court on November 17 to be committed for crown court trial.

She was released on bail on condition that she stays at her Ridley Avenue address and makes no contact with prosecution witnesses.