A man accused of holding up a Belfast underwear shop at knifepoint has told Belfast Crown Court he believed he was a female elf at the time.

Robert Boyd, 45, from Carrickfergus is believed to have stolen underwear from the Orchid shop on the Lisburn Road, Belfast.

He is accused of stealing two sets of bras, knickers, suspender belts and stockings, while disguised in a wig, hat and glasses on 14 December 2005.

The court heard how Mr Boyd had been involved in a role-playing game at the time, and his character was called Beho.

He told the jury it “could be right” that Beho had intended to rob the shop, but he could not remember what was going through his mind at the time.

Boyd, who has visited a psychiatrist regularly, told his defence counsel that the game was known as Shadowrun, and he had participated with a small group of people.

His character was described to the court as a shaman, or magical elf, who carried a small Japanese sword as a weapon.

The lab technician, from Broadlands in Carrickfergus has denied robbery, but has admitted he “seemed to have blurred that line between reality and fantasy.”

The case continues.

(JM/SP)