Kirkby psychologist found with knuckle duster, Samurai sword and baton

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A Kirkby psychologist who was found with a Samurai sword, a knuckle duster and a baton didn't realise it's now illegal to own such weapons, a court has heard.

Police went to Dr Callum Cooper's address on January 2 to carry out a stalking prevention order condition check and became suspicious when they found two swords, said prosecutor Andrew Conboy.

In fact they were both legal and kept on display: an 1826 British light cavalry sword and a Lord of the Rings replica, which he bought 20 years ago.

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But a search of his property revealed a knuckle duster, gifted to him 25 years ago, and a black Katana sword. He was unable to explain why he kept a baton next to his bed.

Mansfield Magistrates court, Rosemary Street.Mansfield Magistrates court, Rosemary Street.
Mansfield Magistrates court, Rosemary Street.

"He had no idea they were illegal and didn't realise keeping a knuckle duster in private is now an offence due to a change in the law,” added Mr Conboy.

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Jemma Stanford, mitigating, said Cooper, of previous good character, pleaded guilty on a basis and his account was consistent with what he said in interview.

"He showed the officers upstairs - which reflects his lack of knowledge and shows he didn't try to conceal them," she said

“He had no intention to take them outside his home.

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“Dr Cooper understands the importance of managing offensive weapons. Prior to this he was a responsible firearms holder.”

Cooper, aged 35, of Victoria Road, Kirkby, admitted possessing offensive weapons at his home, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on Tuesday.

He was fined £166 with a £66 surcharge and £85 costs.

The sword, the knuckle duster and the baton were confiscated.