Mayoral candidate walks free from court

A Wellington mayoral candidate who has repeatedly courted attention protesting over the country's drug laws has walked free on an offensive behaviour charge.

Al Mansell, 38, appeared in Wellington District Court today in relation to a stunt in June.

He climbed about 5m up the exterior of the Supreme Court building in Lambton Quay with a New Zealand flag attached to his upper body.

The count of behaving in an offensive manner - which he denied - centred on an allegedly obscene sign.

However, a judge dismissed the charge after finding it had not been sustained.

Outside the court, Mansell argued that the law should treat drug use as a health issue rather than a crime.

"I think the law is so ridiculous it deserves to be mocked," he said.

The would-be mayor - who claims to be standing for election so that drug users can have a better life - has another date in court next month.

Mansell is facing trial for smoking cannabis on the steps of the Wellington central police station.

- NZPA