A MAN who claims to be the Archangel Michael has been charged with assaulting police officer Charles Ronnay in Wisbech on June 6. Named David Edmonds on the court papers, but telling magistrates his name had been changed to Michael Israel, the defendant r

A MAN who claims to be the Archangel Michael has been charged with assaulting police officer Charles Ronnay in Wisbech on June 6.

Named David Edmonds on the court papers, but telling magistrates his name had been changed to Michael Israel, the defendant refused to enter a plea to the allegation.

"I do not need to plea to Queen Elizabeth, as I am Archangel Michael," he told Fenland magistrates on Wednesday. "She will hear me with equity or not hear me at all."

According to the court list, the defendant was 43 years old but he disputed his date of birth, saying he was "born again" so had a new birthday in January 1991. He said he no longer lived at the address in Terrington St Clement that was on the court file, and gave a new address at New Flats, Church Terrace, Wisbech.

The court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, and adjourned the case until August 16, when the date of his trial is due to be set.