A hysterically meowing cat brought police to a Sarnia apartment where 11 grams of marijuana was found, leading to a year’s probation for the owner.

A 26-year-old woman pleaded guilty Monday in Sarnia court to the May possession charge.

Sarnia police were called to the apartment to check on the woman’s wellbeing — since she hadn’t been seen for a couple of days — and there was hysterical meowing coming from the apartment.

An officer went in and the cat raced out. It had food and water, the court heard.

The officer went looking for the woman and found 11 grams of marijuana and a grinder — used to cut marijuana so it can be smoked — in plain view.

The woman had been with friends and was arrested when she contacted the officer, who had left his card.

She was granted a discharge that will leave her without a record for drug possession if she completes 25 hours of community service during her probation.

The Observer generally doesn’t identify persons who are granted discharges.

CUFFED BOYFRIEND IN HEAD

A 27-year-old woman who cuffed her partner in the head has been placed on a year’s probation.

The Lambton County woman pleaded guilty Monday in Sarnia court to the January assault.

Her partner reported the assault in March, and the court was told it was a cuff to the back of the head, but no injury resulted.

On another day, the woman had grabbed the man after repeatedly banging on his door.

The couple have children.

The woman is prepared to undertake domestic violence counselling, and has no criminal record, said defence lawyer Matt Stone. A discharge was granted on the condition she completes the counselling program, expected to start next April.

During the probation, she cannot contact the man — except through a third party to arrange child access.

Men can also be spared criminal records for such assaults by undergoing counselling.