Male stripper charged for offensive weapon

ABERDEEN, Scotland, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A Scottish male stripper who uses a police costume has been cleared of charges of carrying an offensive weapon -- his batons were part of the costume.

Stuart Kennedy, 24, who uses the name "Sergeant Eros" while performing, was cleared in Aberdeen Tuesday. He was arrested on March 17 by two female police officers outside a bar where he was about to perform, The Scotsman reported Wednesday.

Sheriff Kenneth Stewart argued on Kennedy's behalf, telling the court, "It is not common sense which is on trial here," saying there was a reasonable excuse for having two police batons in his possession as props.

Claiming at least $5,000 in taxpayers' money had been spent on his prosecution, Kennedy said he couldn't "comprehend how anyone could have ever thought that this (case) was in the public interest."

The part-time stripper and university student also works under the stage name of "James Bondage" for his appearances as a James Bond-style character, along with Chef Eros and Waiter Eros in naval uniform, the newspaper said.