Rollerblading Ormskirk pensioner Geoff Dornan, 71, is calling on his fans to support him to prove he isn’t a danger to the public

Feb 5 2009 by Katie Grant, Ormskirk Advertiser

ROLLERBLADING pensioner Geoff Dornan is calling on his legions of fans to support him when he appears at court next week to prove he isn’t a danger to the public.

Geoff Dornan, 71, appeared at North Sefton Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with skating in a restricted area on Southport’s Chapel Street.

Southport police’s case against him was discontinued but will form part of a Sefton Council prosecution on Monday, February 9, when the pensioner will have to prove he is not a hazard to pedestrians.

Mr Dornan, of Normanhurst, Ormskirk, told the Advertiser: “It is hardly surprising that this action, which was mounted jointly by Southport Police and the legal department of the local authority was abandoned at the last moment on the grounds that it would not be in the public interest.

“I take this to be the legalese for it would be a total waste of public money, since we haven’t got a leg to stand on.”

Mr Dornan, who has a 2,075- person-strong Facebook group devoted to him, said he was most upset about the police confiscating his beloved roller blades.

“In the months during which I have been unjustly deprived of my blades, I have been shocked to discover how swiftly the health of someone of my age can deteriorate.

“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, and reduced to crawling to the loo on all fours, because I couldn’t walk.”

He said he couldn’t believe some people had such a problem with his rollerblading.

“For once, I’m speechless. I mean, I certainly wasn’t blading around naked, so what on earth has the preservation of public decency got to do with my arrest?

“Next Monday, February 9, is crunch-time for me.

“I would hugely appreciate it if as many as possible of my supporters, of all ages, would turn up at 10am to witness my trial in the ample spectators gallery at Southport magistrate’s Court.

“It could be fun.

“If nothing else, I can assure the ladies that my solicitor is drop-dead dishy.”

What are the message boards saying?

HERE are some of the views from our message boards after we asked whether you thought pensioner Geoff Dornan should be able to skate in Southport.

dafid: “Nobody should be allowed to roller blade if they put the public at risk.

I have not seen this man, but my wife, who is very unsteady on her feet, says she felt very 'unsafe' when he was about.”

N163L: “The signs restricting rollerblading are quite clear. Although using the word prohibited might have been a better choice. No matter what Geoff Dornan says, rollerblading in what is a sometimes heavily pedestrianised area, is an accident waiting to happen.

“You cannot turn as quickly on blades, as a pedestrian suddenly changing direction. If I remember, the signs say that you can be fined if you skate in a manner to cause danger to the public. If a policeman considered this to be the case, then the policeman acted in the public interest.

“If this 71-year-old had been 17, then he would have been called a hooligan! Those who ride bicycles or drop litter on Chapel Street, should also have their collars felt.”

H: “Yer a right load of moaning old croanies aren't you? If it’s about public safety, then how many time have you been cracked in the ankle by a pushchair, or even a shopping trolley, and should the police be barred from using their horses on shopping precincts because of the risk "horse muck" creating a slip hazard! I bet none of the above are insured, either.”

Pen: “Instead of wasting a whole load of taxpayers' money taking this OAP to court the council would be better off spending it providing much needed services for Southport's elderly population.

“Mr Dornan should be applauded for leading such a healthy and active lifestyle at the age of 71, not hauled before a court to explain himself.

“Are we supposed to believe the council have nothing better to do than prosecute a pensioner? Pathetic.”

Sandgrounder: “This man should be banned from Southport town centre, he is a menace. Well done to those police officers who managed to catch him and take him through court.”