Judge tells man "Moustache must go"

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."



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.