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Field sportsman cleared over offensive weapon
A FIELD sports enthusiast has been cleared of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, after an extendable baton was found in his jacket pocket.
Mervyn Neil Redpath had been stopped on suspicion of drink-driving at the crossroads on the B1339 near Embleton on January 28.
The 59-year-old, of Greyfield Estate in the village, was taken to Alnwick Police Station, where the telescopic truncheon – known as an asp – was discovered as he checked in his possessions.
Pleading not guilty to the charge at Alnwick Magistrates Court on Friday, it emerged the Mr Redpath had been out shooting rabbits on a farm near Haggerston Castle earlier in the day and had taken the baton with him.
Because of arthritis in his right hand, the court heard that he used the asp to dispatch fallen game, as well as fish when out on the boat he co-owns with his son in Seahouses.
But he forgot to remove it from his camouflaged jacket when he got home and didn't realise it was still there until he had to empty his pockets at the police station.
He said: "When I realised it was in my pocket my knees went weak. It was a complete oversight but I knew I'd have some explaining to do."
Asked by prosecutor Margaret Waddell why he needed the asp, he answered: "It's an extremely useful tool which I use all the time. I wouldn't dispatch an animal with my hands in the traditional way because of my weak grip – it would be cruel."
The court heard that since leaving school, Mr Redpath had been a gamekeeper and in 1990 became a professional fisherman. He also had licences to shoot on private land.
He said: "Throughout my whole life, I have indulged in field sports. It has been a way of life for me."
Accepting his explanation, the chairman of the magistrates told him: "After hearing the evidence, we have decided that you did not go out intentionally to use the baton.
"We are satisfied by the evidence you have given."
However, Redpath admitted refusing to give two breath tests when requested by police.
He was disqualified from driving for 16 months and ordered to pay a 100 fine, with 80 costs and a victim surcharge of 15.
Redpath volunteered to attend a drink-driver's rehabilitation course which, if he completes, will reduce his ban by four months.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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