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Prosecutors Drop Case Against Druid
Charged With Carrying A Sword
The Associated Press
Published: Aug 3, 2004
PORTSMOUTH, England (AP) - Prosecutors dropped charges Tuesday against a man
who explained that he carried a sword into a shop because he is a druid.
At a brief appearance in court last month, Merlin Michael Williams, 26, said
previous cases heard by the court had allowed druids the right to carry
ceremonial swords, which are used to cast spells and create circles of
safety.
Williams, of Westbourne, southern England, was arrested July 9 after
carrying his weapon while shopping at a store in Portsmouth. The sword was
confiscated as evidence.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the matter had been considered and "it
was deemed not to be in the public interest to continue with the case."
Williams, who wore his green and blue druid's robes at last month's court
appearance, said his sword, which he calls Talisen, had been returned.
"I am just happy to have got my sword back so I can continue with my duties
as sword-bearer," he said.
"I can understand how the misunderstanding happened with the police but it
was all a bit heavy-handed and they should have listened to my explanation."
Williams is a member of Insular Order of the Druids, which was founded in
1993 at Stonehenge and is one of at least eight self-styled druid groups in
Britain.
AP-ES-08-03-04 1437EDT
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