SOUTHPORT, England, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- A 71-year-old British man whose inline-skates were confiscated by police asked supporters to attend his trial for allegedly posing a hazard to pedestrians.

Geoff Dornan, 71, said his health suffered after police took away his blades last year for allegedly skating in a restricted area in Southport, England, The Sun reported Monday.


"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," he said. "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."

Dornan, who denies that his skating poses a danger to pedestrians, said a Facebook group set up to support his bid to have the charges dismissed and his inline skates returned has grown to include 2,075 members.

"I would hugely appreciate it if as many as possible of my supporters would turn up at 2 p.m. (Monday) to witness my trial in the ample spectators' gallery at Southport magistrates' court," he said. "It could be fun. If nothing else, I can assure the ladies my solicitor is drop-dead dishy."