A Polish memorabilia collector who works for the British Government said he was pleased "common sense prevailed" after criminal charges against him for possessing police warrant card holders were thrown out of court.

Andre Traliszewski, who has lived in Battersea for 24 years, faced 10 charges of possessing articles of police uniform without being a special constable or member of a police force.

The charges related to 10 warrant card holders Mr Tralisewski, a 53-year-old Polish and Russian translator, had collected from defunct or foreign police forces.

Speaking at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court today, his defence lawyer Anthony Montgomery said: “The defendant is a man of good character and an interpreter. He is a member of a police memorabilia club and writer of several books on police.”

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The interpreter, who works for the British government, is also a spiritual healer and consultant on immigration law issues and Polish law.

Mr Montogomery said Mr Tralisewski has had an interest in police memorabilia for many years, because his father was also a collector. The court also heard he is a member of a police memorabilia club in Poland and a police reservist.

The warrant card holders seized by police came from various forces including Cleveland Police, Surrey Police, Somerset Police and the Royal Gibraltar Police.

The court heard Mr Tralisewski, of Ingrave Street, obtained the warrant card holders legally. They are among hundreds of items of police memorabilia owned by the interpreter, such as old police helmets.

Members of the Metropolitan Police are not allowed to sell their card holders on eBay, but the rules can vary for other forces, the court heard.

Prosecutor Bena Brown argued the case should be adjourned because a witness had not been able to attend.

However, lead magistrate Christina Ruiz said: “The bench refuses that application. We won’t be adjourning this case. The case is dismissed.”

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Tralisewski said: “Thank goodness common sense prevailed.”