At least the RSPCA are acting on it! I did worry thinking as the cat wasn't injured (a report I read) that she hadn't technically broke a law. So I'm pleased to hear at least she's got to go to court over it. Even if nothing comes of it, I think for that type of woman (assuming she's not always in trouble with the police etc) that going to court alone for such a publicly known event (I hope there are tabloid journalists there snapping pictures and asking direct almost insulting questions) will discourage her from even going near an animal again, let alone owning one!
Though I hope she does get a fine, and I hope she's still getting frowned upon locally, that sort of thing will be with her for life. Even if she moves, the reason for moving will always be reminded to her as she enters her new front door.
One things for sure, unless she is mental, she wont be putting a cat in a bin again.