81-летний шейх «Золотые пальцы» оправдан по обвинению в ношении ножа, объяснив, что он нужен для разделки рыбы

Controversial self-styled Sheikh, 81, nicknamed 'Goldfinger' is cleared of knife charge after explaining it was for fishing at his own personal lake - and blade is for filleting - See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source A bling-loving self-styled Sheikh has been cleared after telling the court he was on his way to go fishing at his own personal lake when officers found an eight-inch knife in his car. Sheikh Abid Gulzar, 81 - nicknamed 'Goldfinger' for his love of gold sports cars and jewellery - found himself in trouble after police discovered the knife inside a van he had been driving. Gulzar, who also owns the seaside piers in Hastings and Eastbourne, was stopped by police early one Sunday morning in May 2025 as he made his way to the lake. The businessman was immediately arrested on another matter and handcuffed. But while he was being taken into custody, one police officer was told Gulzar needed his daily medication from the Ford van. While searching for the medication the officer discovered the knife in the driver's glove compartment, Brighton Magistrates Court heard. Gulzar explained the knife was part of his fishing tackle which was located in the rear of the van. However the 81-year-old, of Lower Dicker, East Sussex, was nevertheless arrested and taken to a police station where he was interviewed by officers. Sheikh Abid Gulzar, 81, has been cleared after telling the court he was on his way to go fishing at his own personal lake when officers found an eight-inch knife in his car Gulzar infuriated Historic England and the council after buying Eastbourne Pier in 2015 and painting some fixtures - including the camera obscura cupola - bright gold Gulzar told officers: 'The knife found in my car today is used to cut up fish. I have been at my lake this morning in Pevensey.' He said there were fishing nets and tackle in the back of the Ford van to prove he was going fishing. Gulzar told the officers: 'The net poles and other equipment including folding chairs [were there].' The businessman was later charged with possession of a fishing knife with a blade measuring more than three inches long. Speaking from the witness box, Gulzar, who wore a suit, white shirt, tie and braces and a chunky gold ring on each finger, said he was planning to fish in his own personal lake in East Sussex when he was arrested. He explained he was a keen fisherman and had bought the lake many years ago and it is stocked with fish of all varieties. Gulzar said he kept the bladed knife for filleting and cutting weeds while fishing. He said he also kept the knife to treat any sheep found to be suffering from maggots on his land. After a 90-minute trial at Brighton Magistrates Court, District Judge Amanda Kelly found Gulzar not guilty of being in possession of a bladed article in a public place. She said: 'I am just about persuaded that at the time you had a good reason for having that knife in your car that day'. But she issued a stern warning to the hotelier telling him it is an offence to be in possession of a knife with a blade longer than three inches and told him not to do it again. Gulzar is a controversial figure on the south coast where his ownership of the two piers has caused anger among locals. The Indian-born businessman built up a chain of hotels in the south and became a well-known figure in Eastbourne. But he infuriated Historic England and the council after buying Eastbourne Pier in 2015 and painting some fixtures - including the camera obscura cupola - bright gold. He then caused further fury when he announced he would ban 'dogs, cycling, fishing and picnics' and introduce a £2 entrance fee. The hotelier bought award-winning Hastings Pier in 2018 for a knockdown price of £60,000. But he was soon criticised after introducing a number of brightly-coloured fibreglass animals onto the Victorian structure. Gulzar was further condemned after it was revealed he was raking in around £60,000 a month for housing migrants at his hotel in Hailsham. In recent years, ten out of 12 companies which Gulzar has owned have either been liquidated or dissolved - many owing substantial sums either in tax or to trade creditors. Gulzar was found not guilty of being possession of a bladed article in a public place at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday Earlier this year Gulzar announced he was putting Hastings Pier up for sale to the highest bidder and was inviting 'sensible offers'. The businessman faces trial in November on ten charges of alleged fraud under a private prosecution brought by water supplier Castle Water Limited. The charges relate to the claimed provision of £150,000 worth of water to a number of hotels owned by Gulzar's companies. He and business associate Manasdeep Singh stand accused of fraud in their avoidance of payment. Both have pleaded not guilty. Gulzar's company Golden (Lions) Eastbourne Ltd additionally faces a winding-up petition in London's High Court brought by British Gas Trading Limited over an alleged unpaid debt of £1.3m. Bankruptcy notices have also been filed against three hotels owned by Mr Gulzar. On Sunday, Eastbourne Pier, which opened in 1870, was evacuated after a blaze broke out. Firefighters contained the fire, which they say was accidental, while the damage caused was minimal.