Sutton 'Wizard Man' and pagan chief priest Conrad Pugsley emerged triumphant from court today after convincing a jury that he had a right to carry a knife around with him.

The colourful dragon master was arrested in Sutton High Street in June last year and charged with having a paper knife as an offensive weapon.

Mr Pugsley 58, of Durand Close, Carshalton, pleaded not guilty, claiming he had reasonable excuse - that the knife is part of his religious regalia.

Croydon Crown Court was told he always wears a long robe, sometimes purple and sometimes red, with a skull cap and plenty of jewellery.

He has been walking the main roads of Sutton and Croydon for many years, always carrying his ornamental staff with a dragon's head.

Mr Pugsley said the knife, known as a athame, was essential to his religion and he could not live without it.

He said the blade represented a ritual knife or sword and had essential uses in magic.

His clash with the law came when a community support officer saw him with a beer can and confiscated it.

When the eight-inch blade was spotted, he was taken to a nearby police station.

Outside the court, Mr Pugsley said he could continue carrying the knife.

"It's part of my religion and it will always be on my belt," he said.