A man who wielded a police-style baton in the midst of a public disorder has been arrested and charged.
The police have accused Mark Taggart, 42, of Banwell Avenue, Swindon of possession of an offensive weapon after he was recorded on CCTV with the baton in Cavendish Square in Swindon.
He has been bailed and is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on November 13.
Carrying a baton is illegal in the UK under the Offensive Weapons Act of 1996. According to this legislation, it's generally illegal for a civilian to carry a baton in public.
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The law views batons as offensive weapons due to their potential misuse.
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “A man has been charged following a public disorder in Cavendish Square, Swindon yesterday (27/10).
“Mark Taggart, 42, of Banwell Avenue, Swindon, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon after being captured on CCTV with a police-style extendable baton.
“He has been bailed to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on November 13.”
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