Man used samurai sword to protect girl on street

A Good Samaritan who was concerned about a girl screaming outside his house when she was under attack from two men took a long samurai sword from over his fireplace to frighten off the woman’s attackers.

However, what he perceived as a paternal and protective act resulted in him being prosecuted for carrying the weapon in a public place.

Canadian Frank Reissi Nia, who studied martial arts and is a black belt in two disciplines from 16 years spent living in Japan, pleaded not guilty to the charge at Cork District Court. He had been awarded the samurai sword for his achievements in martial arts.