Druid crosses swords with the law

A DRUID sword-bearer appeared in an English court yesterday charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

Merlin Michael Williams, aged 26, of Edgell Road, Westbourne, Emsworth, Hampshire, was arrested last Friday after he was stopped by a security guard in a store with his sheathed 3ft ceremonial sword slung over his shoulder. He appeared before Portsmouth Magistrates yesterday dressed in a green robe, blue cloak and with talismans around his neck.

Acting as his legal adviser during the short hearing yesterday was chief druid King Arthur Pendragon, swordbearer of Britain, who was dressed in white robes with a red lion emblazoned on the front.