Posted on 07/14/2004 11:26:30 PM PDT by MikalM
A druid swordbearer appeared in court today charged with possessing an offensive weapon.
Merlin Michael Williams, 26, of Edgell Road, Westbourne, Emsworth, Hants, was arrested on Friday, July 9, after he was stopped by a security guard in a branch of Wilkinson general stores with his sheathed 3ft ceremonial sword slung over his shoulder.
He appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates today dressed in a green robe, blue cloak and with talismans around his neck.
Acting as his legal adviser during the short hearing today was chief druid King Arthur Pendragon, swordbearer of Britain, who was dressed in white robes with a red lion emblazoned on the front.
About a dozen fellow members of the Insular Order of Druids, to which Williams belongs, supported him by sitting in the public gallery, some dressed in robes.
Williams’ sword, which he calls Talisen, was detained as evidence by police after his arrest in Arundel Street, Portsmouth.
The case was adjourned after prosecutor Colin Shackel requested time to examine case histories which Williams claimed had set a precedent for druid ceremonial swords being not deemed as offensive weapons.
Mr Shackel said: “The charge before the court results from the defendant being found in possession of a sword in a public place in a shop in Arundel Street.
“It is accepted by the Crown this was sheathed and there was no offensive action by the defendant. The issue is whether this is an offensive weapon per se.”
The case was adjourned until August 3 and Williams was bailed until then.
A druid’s ceremonial sword is used for casting spells and casting circles spaces of safety, according to a spokesman for the Insular Order of Druids.
Was this for recreational, or historical show purposes, or is nearly as crazy as the Scotish govm't?
I knew they were disarmed of guns, but swords? For crying out loud! What would they do to me, ban my hands, feet, knees and elbows? I guarantee I could do more damage faster with my weapons than that silly false-druid to do with that sword he is untrained to use. What the heck is WRONG with Britan? What are they so afraid of?
I better hide my swords then ;-)
I think it should be legal
Of course I think a 15-year old girl should be able to buy an RPG at the local corner store without ID too... so my thoughts are worthless.
Shadows.
Only if you think you're going to wake up the next morning and find yourself in the aisle of a Scotish General Store.
Ditto. 15y/o's alright. I'd worry about the 16-19y/os.
Erm, let's say any sharp or cutting implement......
But the blades look nice as wall decorations.
heh. Just in case.
I am a radical. I even think private competitive services should handle firefighting duties.. homeowners and businessowners would subscribe.
That's not radical unless the houses are close packed.
Chinese broadsword trained here (and oak cane and 11" steel throwing spikes) but my Master was not a sword master. I have fenced against guys like yours. Man! I had bruises all over my chest, right in front of my heart. Fencing is very different from the heavy broadsword. When we did that, I smiled a lot.
LOL! My master used to say something like, "Only play checkers with Kasparof; never chess."
Smart old Chinese man.
They are afraid of rebellious serfs.
Purple belt, too.
Very good! I am glad for him and for you, too. Many good things come from that study, not least of all is character.
new deal... sign up now and get 2 fire extinguishers.
=o)
Close neighbors won't appreciate folks w/o fire service, or that hire idiots.
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