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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article