Torquay's other History: ever woken up as a historical figure?

By Kevin Dixon, on Sunday, August 29, 2010

Ever woken up after a night out in Torquay and found you’re dressed as a historical figure?

From the Herald of May 19, 1978:

Torquay Magistrates Court found a 21-year-old Scotsman guilty of stealing a hat, a leather belt and a sword and scabbard. A student at South Devon College told the court that he had been dressed as Admiral Nelson.

He said:   “I had the costume to go to a fancy dress party at the 400 Club…

“At about 1am, I went to a fish shop near the club, bought a snack then went off.  ”

“As I was going up Abbey Road, there was group of about seven or more Scottish people on the other side of the road.

“They were quite friendly… when we reached the health centre one of them asked whether he could try on my hat and sword. I let him do that… then he disappeared up an alleyway and I never saw any more of him.”

Blaming alcohol, the defendant stated: “When I woke up the next morning, I still had the gear on.”