Rollerblade pensioner Geoff Dornan will appear in Crown Court on Friday (May 22, 2009) to appeal his conviction for dangerous skating.

Southport magistrates found Geoff, 71, guilty in February after a trial in which he denied breaking a Sefton Council bye-law skating in a dangerous or annoying manner on the pedestrianised Chapel Street, Southport, last October.

If he loses his appeal, Geoff, of Normanhurst, Ormskirk, says his fight with the council could cost him more than £10,000 in legal fees.

“I had saved some money to improve my house, so if I spend all the money I have I can keep myself out of debt,” Geoff said.

After his trial magistrates ordered Geoff to pay a £300 fine and costs to Sefton Council of almost £1,800, but these have been suspended after the appeal notice was lodged.

He says he will not be taking anything for granted on Friday.

Geoff is still keen to promote the health benefits of rollerblading.  He took up the pastime seven years ago after his daughter suggested he lose weight, and says keeping fit is now a temptation rather than a chore.

He says his skating is safe and that he always gives pedestrians “100% right of way”.

After his trial earlier this year, Mr Dornan found himself at the centre of a media circus, appearing on GMTV, News at 10, Jeremy Vine's BBC Radio Two show, BBC Radio Four as well as national and local newspapers.

By Natasha Robson