Cyclist David Newport had a novel excuse when police tried to stop him for riding without lights in south Oxfordshire.

He told puzzled officers: "I have a right of carriage under the Magna Carta."

It took two police cars to halt the determined rider - who then punched one of the officers in the face.

Yesterday, Oxford magistrates exercised another clause in the famous historical scroll - the right of every man to have a fair trial - and jailed him for 90 days.

Newport, 44, of no fixed address, was riding near Crowmarsh at night without lights with his pet spaniel, Buster Brakespear III.

John Small, prosecuting, said a passing car had to veer sharply to avoid them and caused a police car coming the other way to swerve to avoid a crash.

The patrol car turned round and officers spotted Newport and his dog carrying on through the gloom. One policeman shouted at Newport to stop, but to no avail. He told them: "I have right of carriage. If you want to stop me you will have to knock me off." Newport was finally boxed in and forced to stop but a policeman who went to talk to him was punched on the cheek.

The two men struggled on the ground and rolled around in nettles. Newport was eventually arrested and taken to Reading police station, where Buster Brakespear III, tired from the evening's exertions, curled up and went to sleep.

In an interview, Newport claimed his "right of carriage" dated back to the 13th century as part of the Magna Carta.

He explained that he was on his way to Benson to get a drink from the lake because he did not trust tap water.

Newport pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, careless cycling and riding without lights.

He was given a 90-day prison term for the assault. As he was led away he asked magistrates to make sure Buster Brakespear III was kept fit and well during his absence. MAGNA CARTA FACTS

Magna Carta was signed by King John at Runnymede on June 15, 1215, at the insistence of his barons

It set down principles for government and bound king and barons to maintain them

Its main provisions were that no man should be punished without fair trial and that ancient liberties should be preserved

It also laid down that no demands should be made by an overlord to his subordinates (other than those recognised) without the sanction of the great council of the realm

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