Rollerblading OAP says he will risk jail

by Elissa Corrigan. Published Mon 29 Jun 2009 13:08

Geoff skating in southport

A rollerblading OAP has vowed to carry on skating even if it means ending up behind bars.

Pensioner Geoff Dornan was found guilty of breaking a bye-law at Southport Magistrates Court last February.

The bye-law stated that 'people must not skate in such a manner as to cause danger or give reasonable grounds to annoyance' and Geoff was ordered to pay a £300 fine and £1800 costs.

But defiant Geoff, of Normanhurst, Ormskirk, says he will continue to skate in and around Southport because he refuses to believe he skates dangerously.

"I will carry on skating but next time they fine me I won't pay so I will have to go to jail." said Geoff, 71.

"I want them to tell me how I skate in such a way to fulfil the law. I don't skate dangerously at all.

"They are hoping I will just go away, but I won't."

Geoff, has the full support of the British Roller Skating Federation and recently passed their grade four proficiency test, the highest level, on his first attempt

But Geoff is willing to discuss a way forward with the local council to see if they can come to an agreement.

"I am going to back to say OK, this has happened, I am not very impressed, but the law still remains the same so we are back at square one.

"I will respectfully ask for directions, but if they won't talk to me I will carry on skating."