PORTSTMOUTH, England (AP) - Merlin appeared in court Tuesday, resplendent in his Druid robes and defended by King Arthur Pendragon, but without the metre-long sword that caused alarm in a local shop.
Merlin Michael Williams, 26, of Westbourne, England, was arrested last week after carrying his spell-casting weapon while shopping at a store in Portsmouth. The sword was confiscated as evidence.
Williams presented himself at Portsmouth Magistrates draped in a green robe and blue cloak.
Pendragon, who addressed the court in a white robe with a red lion print, was joined by a dozen other members of the Insular Order of the Druids, who filled the public gallery.
Williams argued precedent, explaining that previous cases heard by the court had allowed Druids the right to carry ceremonial swords, which are used to cast spells and create circles of safety.
The case was adjourned for a month to give prosecutor Colin Shackel time to examine precedents.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2004/07/13/538565-ap.html
Merlin Michael Williams, 26, of Westbourne, England, was arrested last week after carrying his spell-casting weapon while shopping at a store in Portsmouth. The sword was confiscated as evidence.
Williams presented himself at Portsmouth Magistrates draped in a green robe and blue cloak.
Pendragon, who addressed the court in a white robe with a red lion print, was joined by a dozen other members of the Insular Order of the Druids, who filled the public gallery.
Williams argued precedent, explaining that previous cases heard by the court had allowed Druids the right to carry ceremonial swords, which are used to cast spells and create circles of safety.
The case was adjourned for a month to give prosecutor Colin Shackel time to examine precedents.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2004/07/13/538565-ap.html
