Man 'attacked by Robin Hood'

Edward McDonald is known as 'Robin Hood', the court heard

A man nicknamed Robin Hood for his penchant for wearing medieval-style clothing attacked his neighbour with a three-foot sword for being too noisy, a court has heard.

Edward McDonald, 59, is often seen in his home town of Hastings dressed as Robin Hood and likes to be addressed as Count McDonald.

Lewes Crown Court heard he stormed round to neighbour Thomas Blackman's flat last July to confront him about the amount of noise he was making.

The court heard he pulled a sword from behind his back and struck Mr Blackman on the arm with such force it cut through the flesh, hit the bone and fractured it.

Mr McDonald, who has a long beard, was wearing a smock, leggings and long boots at the time of the incident, the jury was told.

The court heard Mr Blackman managed to slam the door shut before phoning a friend, telling them: "I've just been attacked by Robin Hood".

Mr McDonald, of Stonehouse Drive in Hastings, told police he had been asleep at the time of the incident.

He denies wounding with intent and the trial continues.