A self-described "geek" with an extensive collection of movie memorabilia was hauled before the courts over a 20-inch replica sword he purchased online.
Jack Coughlan, 27, was arrested on January 9 2022 after police attended his Orrel Park home on an unrelated matter and noticed the sword, which was a copy of the Spartan blade wielded by Gerard Butler's character King Leonidas in the 2006 movie 300.
He pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and possession of an offensive weapon at Sefton Magistrates Court today, January 11.
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The court heard Coughlan, who had a large collection of ornamental swords, daggers and flails in his home, had purchased the sword online before the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 banned the possession of dangerous items in private.
Teddy Naylor, defending, said: "The defendant described himself as a geek. The weapon is a sword, a replica of the King Leonidas sword from the movie 300. That sword was purchased three years ago... as an ornament. There was no intention of the sword being used as a weapon."
Coughland was sentenced to a 12 month community order, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and must carry out 40 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £120 court costs and a £95 surcharge.
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