ONE of the most feared villains in the galaxy dropped in for tea at the Randolph Hotel in July 1985.
Paul Downes, 11, was busy eating cake when he was rudely interrupted by Darth Vader grabbing him around the throat.
To the Marston youngster's credit, he barely flinched and seemed more amused than scared by the black-clad warlord.
The Star Wars villain was guest of honour at the Beaumont Street hotel tea party, which was Paul's reward for winning a national competition.
He joined 20 other young winners for the celebration.
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