Stripogram copper walks on offensive weapon rap

'No case to answer' for prop batons

By Lester Haines • Get more from this author

Posted in Bootnotes, 5th December 2007 10:45 GMT

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The 24-year-old stripogram charged with possessing offensive weapons after Aberdeen's finest spotted him en route to a gig carrying two batons and a spray canister has been cleared on all charges, the Telegraph reports.

Aberdeen uni genetics student Stuart Kennedy was clocked wearing a fake police uniform by two officers on 17 March in the city's Bon Accord Street. He explained: "I said I was not a police officer, I said I am a stripper. They followed me into the bar, watched the show, then asked me to go back to the station.

"It was all quite friendly. When I went back later they said they were going to charge me. I have spoken to two solicitors and they do not know if it will go to court."

A spokesman for the Grampian police later confirmed the charges were "in connection with wearing a police uniform and equipment in a public place".

Kennedy admitted: "I was totally surprised. I do not believe this is in the public interest."

While the charge of impersonating a police officer was dropped, Kennedy was dragged before the beak at Aberdeen sheriff court on the offensive weapons rap. However, Sheriff Kenneth Stewart ruled he had no case to answer.

Stewart said Kennedy had "reasonable excuse" to carry the batons, since they were props. Kennedy concluded: "Finally, common sense has prevailed." ®

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