AN EDWARDIAN-STYLE dandy who assaulted a teenager when teased over his elaborate handlebar moustache has avoided community service by agreeing to shave it off.

Charles Law, 48, of Stratfield Road, Borehamwood, speaking after his appearance at St Albans Crown Court today, said: "I've had it since I was 22. It was up to 16 inches once, but I shaved it down a bit.

"It's a shame, but it has to go."

Law appeared in court in a brown sports jacket, bright red trousers, blue-and-white checked shirt, watch chain, and carefully folded red handkerchief.

The court heard how on Christmas Eve he had confronted a group of teenagers who had commented on his appearance as he was taking money from a cash point in his home town.

Reacting with a ferocity that belied his old-world appearance, he had kicked one, aged 13, in the leg.

Judge John Plumstead said: "He put them to flight by a show of force which convinced them he had a knife."

The court heard Law, who pleaded guilty to common assault, had been in trouble before with moustache-related incidents, with convictions for affray and threats.

Defence barrister Julia Flanagan insisted the moustache had not been to blame for his conviction for manslaughter in 2000, for which he was given a four-year prison sentence.

She said her client accepted he had a tendency to over-react to teasing, and had promised to shave his spectacular growth to avoid trouble.

Judge Plumstead, who said he was worried that community service would lead Law into further confrontations, said: "I have mixed feelings about his decision to give up his moustache.

"It is plainly a matter of pride, and it must have taken a great deal of time and work to develop."

He told Law, a self-employed financial advisor, there was nothing wrong with his chosen appearance, but he should expect comment, and not over-react.

Giving him a conditional discharge, he warned him against re-offending, and ordered him to pay £75 each to three of the boys, who had been "shocked and frightened" by the incident.

  • What do you think? Should Law be punished or has justice been done?