Crown to appeal stripper ruling

Mr Kennedy said he was "dumbfounded" by the move

Prosecutors are to appeal against a sheriff's decision to clear a stripogram who poses as a policeman of possessing offensive weapons.

The Crown Office confirmed it is to challenge Sheriff Kenneth Stewart's decision to acquit Stuart Kennedy.

Mr Kennedy, who performs under the stage name Sergeant Eros, went on trial accused of carrying two batons and a spray without lawful authority.

But the case at Aberdeen Sheriff Court was thrown out.

Sheriff Stewart ruled Mr Kennedy had "reasonable excuse" to carry the batons. He also said it could not be concluded that Mr Kennedy had carried the spray with the intent to cause harm or injury, as its contents had not been analysed.

A Crown Office spokeswoman confirmed it had lodged an appeal.

Three judges

She said: "The Crown has appealed on a point of law against the decision of the sheriff to acquit the accused."

Sheriff Stewart must now put in writing his reasons for clearing Mr Kennedy.

The Crown will consider these before deciding whether or not to pursue the appeal.

If they do, it will be heard before three judges in Edinburgh.

Mr Kennedy said today he was "dumbfounded" by the development.

"I am disappointed that the Crown Office are not letting this matter conclude," he added.

Mr Kennedy was questioned and later charged by Grampian Police after performing at a bar in Aberdeen earlier this year.

A charge of impersonating a police officer was later dropped by prosecutors.