Posted on 01/09/2007 10:19:55 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
ABORIGINAL actor David Gulpilil has been found not guilty of carrying an offensive weapon after a judge accepted that the machete he produced during an argument was used for cultural purposes.
The actor , who has starred in a number of films including Rabbit Proof Fence, Storm Boy and Crocodile Dundee, was arrested in July last year after an incident at a friend's house in central Darwin.
The 2005 NT Australian of the Year was accused of grabbing his machete during an argurment.
Gulpilil pleaded not guilty to carrying an offensive weapon during a brief trial in Darwin Magistrates Court on Monday.
The 54-year-old said the knife was in his bag because he had recently returned to Darwin after filming in Kakadu National Park, where he had used the machete to carve and make bush tents.
Magistrate Tanya Fong Lim today dismissed the charge against Gulpilil, saying he used the machete for cultural reasons.
"The defendant is an artist and a carver. He used the machete to carve didgeridoos, totem poles and strip stringy bark for paintings," she told Darwin Magistrates Court.
"There is also evidence he used it to help him build shelters while out bush, like he had done shortly before arriving in Darwin.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
I know a Norwegian who makes ice sculptures--- I wonder if he could get away with pulling his chainsaw during an argument...
My culture invented machine guns.
Regards.
I reckon I've worn a dozen machetes out over the years, still got a pair hanging by the door, another 3 or 4 next door at the kids house. My grandson has had his own since he was 6 or 7. They are a tool, just like a hammer or a wrench, or a Colt SAA, for that matter.
Lord, save us, from the urban idiots!
It takes conscious intent to use a tool as a weapon. I wish these legal beagles could get that simple distinction straight.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.