A STAR Wars fan was turned away from his graduation ceremony for wearing armour from the popular sci-fi film series.
Patrick Day-Childs was left feeling frustrated when he was told to take off his 'scout trooper' uniform minutes before the special event at Southampton Guildhall.
The 29-year-old is a member of the Church of Jediism, a religion "loosely based" on the billion-dollar franchise.
Patrick, who recently finished studying marketing at Solent University, arrived an hour early to collect his gown, get official photos, and register for the ceremony, all of which he managed to do wearing armour.
But 20 minutes before the ceremony last Friday, a member of staff approached him outside and told him that he couldn't wear the outfit.
Patrick said: "I told her I wasn't wearing jeans or trainers.
"I said I could take the armour off and wear what was underneath, and she just shook her head and said no."
He went back to his car and removed his outfit, leaving the black jumpsuit he had on underneath, and then rushed back for the ceremony.
He added: "I anticipated that I wouldn't be allowed in, but what frustrated me was the timing. It was 20 minutes before the ceremony.
"I understand that there are things you can't wear, but there were people that were wearing jeans that were going up and getting their degrees. It was pretty frustrating."
The father-of-two lives in Highfield and works testing and marketing video games under his 'Custard Trout' alias.
When asked why he chose to wear the armour, he said: "I liked the outfit".
Patrick helped write the Jediist's Bible - Become The Force: 9 Lessons on How to Live as Master Jediist.
"It's about controlling your emotions, based on psychology-based help and self-improvement," he said.
Responding to the incident, a spokesperson for Solent University said: “Graduation is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate academic success – students, their friends and family and staff.
"We are sorry that this particular student was disappointed not to be wearing his armour for the ceremony, but graduands are advised on appropriate clothing ahead of the big day.
"We hope he will look back on the day with pride at his academic achievements and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
The University also disputed the timing of the incident, saying that the staff member spoke to him an hour before the ceremony, not twenty minutes.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel