Salesman Dressed as Elf Subdued by Pepper Spray

A 46 year old former Royal Marine dressed as Santa’s elf was selling mistletoe without the proper license in Eastbourne, England when he was approached by a police officer.

He refused to give his name and address when asked and also refused to show his peddler’s license, which he did not, in fact, possess. The police officer, who was on foot patrol, states that the man pushed him and a struggle ensued.

Christmas shoppers were shocked to see the elf, dressed in poofy red pants and a “Christmas pudding hat,” rolling around on the ground fighting the uniformed police officer.

The police officer used his night stick and his pepper spray to subdue the man. The man claims to be covered with bruises but the police officer reports being unhurt by the struggle. The man was arrested on the scene and spent nine hours in jail.

The man was convicted of obstructing a police officer after a brief trial and was fined GBP 200. He was also ordered to pay court costs, which amounted to GBP 100. He is appealing the conviction even though a Lewes Crown Court Magistrate has branded the case “a waste of money” and adjourned the appeal until February.

The man said, “Lots of people were buying from me and I was doing my best to make them feel festive.” The Sussex police declined to comment, simply stating that the man “was convicted and that the conviction stands at this time.”