Fate added insult to injury in the form of a criminal conviction for a man who literally fell on his own sword.

Shaun Hogg’s prized katana – the single-edged blade historically favoured by Japan’s samurai warriors – was kept mounted on a wall bracket at his home in Ipswich, Suffolk.

While removing the sword with plans to give it a clean, he slipped and fell, cutting his chin on the blade.

The 45-year-old called 999 and was taken to hospital by paramedics, who told hospital staff what happened.

Hospital managers then notified police of their suspicion Hogg was in possession of an illegal weapon.

Samurai swords longer than 50cm are generally illegal in the UK, with exceptions available for some cases such as historical reenactments and antique collecting.

Prosecutors said Hogg had made

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