Judge Dismisses Charges Against Batman
18/02/2009 06:43
TAMPA -- Batman gets
his mask back.
Hillsborough County Judge John Conrad ordered authorities today to return the custom-made Batman mask they confiscated from Walsh Ian Nichols after arresting him last fall for allegedly violating a state law that forbids wearing a mask on a public right of way.
The judge also
granted a defense motion to dismiss the
misdemeanor charge against Nichols, who
frequently shows up in Ybor City dressed as
Batman.
Prosecutors did not
object.
Nichols' attorney, Kevin Hayslett, said police didn't read the whole law. It is only illegal to wear a mask, he said, if the person is violating someone's civil rights or committing a crime.
"He was eating sushi," Hayslett said.
The attorney said his client promised a "triumphant return to Ybor City this weekend."
Hayslett also offered some possible headlines for this story:
"Tampa is safe once again."
"The real Batman returns."
"A bright day for a dark knight."
SINC SAYS:
Holy raw fish Batman, how do you eat sushi with a mask on?