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Man had Samurai sword down trousers

6:03pm Tuesday 14th July 2009 in Abingdon

A SCAFFOLDER was caught with a Samurai sword down his trousers as he walked past a packed nightclub, a court heard today.

Leslie Prince, 21, was walking past Strattons nightclub in Stratton Way, Abingdon, in the early hours of May 2 when CCTV operators spotted him with an object concealed in his clothes.

Police searched Prince, of Regal Close, Abingdon, and pulled out the two-foot sword — hidden in a wooden case — from his trousers and jumper.

He was charged with possession of a blade or sharp pointed article in a public place, but denied the allegations when he appeared at Didcot Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Prince, who was found guilty, told officers he had collected the sword from a friend and was taking it home to complete a two-piece decorative sword collection in his bedroom.

Sally Thomson, prosecuting, said CCTV images revealed him trying to make adjustments to the sword under his clothes to hide it from police.

Prince said: “I was scared because I had a great big Samurai sword down my trousers and I knew I probably shouldn’t have it. I was only trying to get it home. There was no other means of getting it home and I didn’t want to go on the bus. I chose the longest route round Abingdon away from the town centre and all the pubs.”

Magistrate Ann Dendy said because Prince had tried to hide the sword he was fully aware he should not have been carrying it.

Prince will be sentenced on Wednesday, August 12.

Comments(11)

Fringe says...
8:37pm Tue 14 Jul 09

Why did he plead 'not guilty'? He knew it was there and that he shouldn't have it.

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Roger Casement says...
8:14am Wed 15 Jul 09

I thought his reasonable excuse was going to be that his bits were itchy and he needed it to scratch them. More imagination needed next time young man.

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Andyrooo says...
9:06am Wed 15 Jul 09

Scaffolders seem to be in alot of trouble lately!

Possession of weapons, benefit fraud and attempted murder!

I know its a tough, stressful job especially during 'hard times' so maybe firms should offer councilling....

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cottage2day says...
9:22am Wed 15 Jul 09

they should let him off. Go to his house, check the story is true about the '2nd piece' then jobs done.

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LanceIot says...
9:46am Wed 15 Jul 09

Get a grip Andy!

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LadyPenelope says...
9:49am Wed 15 Jul 09

It's a good thing he didn't trip over and chop his bits off!

If he knew he wasn't supposed to be carrying it, then he could have taken a taxi.

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LanceIot says...
9:54am Wed 15 Jul 09

"CCTV images revealed him trying to make adjustments to the sword under his clothes to hide it from police".

It is just amazing that these CCTV cameras can pick up someone concealing a sword beneath their trousers, but don’t pick up the fighting, abusive behaviour or the Police using unnecessary force to individuals outside Straton’s night club.

The wonders of convenient surveillance never stop amazing me.

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Old zimner says...
11:06am Wed 15 Jul 09

Penny, have you seen how much taxis in Abingdon cost. Cottage is right though, would have saved a lot of time and money

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Andyrooo says...
12:15pm Wed 15 Jul 09

LanceIot wrote:
Get a grip Andy!
No sense of humour!

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LanceIot says...
4:04pm Wed 15 Jul 09

Andyrooo wrote:
LanceIot wrote: Get a grip Andy!
No sense of humour!
Sorry Andy, I thought you were one of the many bobble hats on here.

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Welsh robbo says...
9:20am Fri 17 Jul 09

I've had a Samurai sword in my trousers for years. I've had loads of fun with it too.

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