The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #71757 Message #1232774
Posted By: freda underhill
24-Jul-04 - 10:35 AM
Thread Name: BS: Virginians Wearing Guns in Public
Subject: RE: BS: Virginians Wearing Guns in Public
Druid in Court Accused over Ceremonial Sword
Scotsman News.com ; Ben Mitchell; 07/14/2004
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.