A man in Britain was sentenced to four months in prison and fined $196 for carrying a replica sword from the Legend of Zelda Nintendo video games. Anthony Bray, 48, was found with a small replica of the Master Sword from the games, known for its ability to vanquish evil. Despite having a harmless intention, Bray’s possession of the blade breached UK laws regarding carrying bladed items in public, prompting a police response in central England.
Despite having low gun homicide rates, the UK has strict laws around knife crime, with over 50,000 knife-related offenses recorded in the past year. Carrying bladed items in public is illegal without a reasonable excuse, leading to Bray’s conviction for possessing the replica sword.
Bray argued that the sword was used as a fidget toy, but police emphasized the potential danger and fear it could invoke. The incident highlights the importance of strict enforcement of laws regarding weapon possession, even in seemingly harmless contexts.
