Give the Silver Surfer his Blades Back

Posted February 18, 2009, 7:09 am


Geoff Dornan, a 71-year old retiree who lives in the English seaside town of Southport is fighting to get his rollerblades back. Dornan says skating keeps him fit and healthy but he’s been grounded after his rollerblades were confiscated by police.

Dornan, who has a 2,075-person Facebook group devoted to him, was hauled into court where Magistrates were shown videos of him skating along the pavement, dodging and weaving between pedestrians.  However, none of the people walking appeared to take any evasive action to avoid his path nor did any of them appear to break their step.

Dornan said he has been rollerblading to keep fit for more than seven years and in all that time has never collided with any pedestrian or received any complaints. "In the months during which I have been unjustly deprived of my blades, I was shocked to discover how swiftly the health of someone of my age can deteriorate. At the time of my arrest, I was as fit as a flea, and entirely free of pain. Yet by Christmas, I found myself confined to bed with severe back trouble. I  would never want to put anybody in danger and always adopt a good skating practice, which means nobody should ever feel threatened. I don't believe I'm a danger to anyone. This case should never have been brought to court."

The state has dropped charges but local charges are still pending. That case has been adjourned twice and will be reconvened February 24.

Is he a danger? Is he more dangerous than the rollerblading kids that are everywhere? Judge for yourself. Here's video of Mr. Dornan Skating and his comments on the case.






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