Stripper's truncheon "an offensive weapon"
18 Apr 08
Crown appeals against ruling that police strippergram didn't break the law with fake baton
The Crown has challenged a sheriff's ruling that a truncheon prop used in a strippergram's policeman act did not count as an offensive weapon.
Stuart Kennedy - stage name "Sergeant Eros" - was arrested by police officers in Aberdeen who had watched him perform his act in a bar and then charged him with carrying offensive weapons, namely a truncheon and a fake CS spray canister.
The sheriff dismissed the case as he believed Mr Kennedy had a reasonable excuse for carrying the items, but yesterday the Crown appealed against the ruling as regards the truncheon.
Brain McConnachie QC argued that the ruling gave people in fancy dress, such as someone dressed as a ninja warrior, a reason for carrying offensive weapons in public places.
Mr Kennedy was not represented. Lords Johnston and Reid and Temporary Judge Gordon Nicholson QC are to give their written decision at a later date.