Court lifts 'warlock' curfew during a full moon

A "warlock" found with a knife is to be released from a night-time curfew when there is a full moon, says a court. Cerwyn Jones, 52, of Llangollen, who supports witchcraft as a religion, admitted being in possession of a knife in a public place in Bala, Gwynedd. Dolgellau magistrates placed Jones on a 12-month community order, but agreed to vary a 1900 to 0700 GMT curfew on four days when there was a full moon.

Jones was jailed over firearms and threats to kill charges in 2003. Julie Jones, prosecuting, said Jones was imprisoned for six years in 2003 for the charges and was released in September 2005. Dolgellau Magistrates' Court heard that Jones was arrested on 4 February in a Bala pub, and told police that he supported witchcraft as a religion. Ms Jones said the police were informed that Jones was carrying a knife.



She said: "He had been visiting his ex-wife in Bala and there were fears that he would use the knife to self-harm or injure others." Police found the knife, which had a 12.7cm (5in) blade, in a sheath in an inside pocket. "The defendant co-operated with the police and told them that the knife was only used in religious ceremonies in connection with witchcraft," said Ms Jones.

Ian Barnes, defending, said Jones had no intention of using the knife against anyone or to harm himself. As part of his religion as a warlock and a Wicca supporter, the knife was used in religious ceremonies and was part of a ritual, Mr Barnes said. Court chairman Caerwyn Roberts placed Jones on a 12-month community order, issued him with a curfew for four months and ordered him to pay £85 court costs. But the court agreed to a request to suspend the curfew order on four days when there was a full moon.