Anthony Bray, 48 of Jodrell Street in Nuneaton, has been sentenced to four months in prison after being found in possession of a bladed article in public.
The article in question was a small replica of the Master Sword from the Legend of Zelda games, which had a total blade length of 6 inches.
The blade was inside a sheath and could be released from the sheath with the press of a button.
On 8 June 2024, officers were made aware through CCTV operators of a man – Anthony Bray – walking down Queens Road, Nuneaton with something in his hand.
Bray approached officers with the item in his hand visible, at which point he was arrested as he was carrying a bladed article.
Bray claimed that the sword was a “fidget” – something to keep his hands busy. He had bought it online as a fidget toy.
Officers tried to explain to Bray that, despite its intended purpose, it was in fact a sharply pointed item which could be used as a weapon and might put others in fear of it being used against them.
He was also carrying it openly in Nuneaton town centre.
Despite admitting that it could be perceived as threatening if someone else saw it, Bray insisted during his interview that he would not have used it as a weapon.
Bray was sentenced at Leamington Spa Magistrates Court on 28 June 2024.
In addition to the four months in prison, Bray is required to pay a victims’ surcharge of £154.
Sgt Spellman of the Patrol Investigations Unit said “We take a zero tolerance to bladed articles in public, and Bray has fallen afoul of this.
“It is possible to find fidget toys that aren’t six-inch blades. It is possible not to walk down the street holding them out in front of you.
“With a bit more self-awareness, Bray could have avoided contact with us completely.”
