Soft porn mags: Difficult to grab
A dwarf is suing his local newsagent for a breach of human rights because he can’t reach pornographic magazines placed on the top shelf, writes Crispin Fisher.
Part-time actor Fred Jarvis, 38, of Minehead, launched his civil case against local newsagents Kumar’s Kash and Karry today in legal move which may have far-reaching implications on the lucrative porn industry.
Mr Jarvis, who is just under four foot tall, said: “I feel really embarrassed having to ask people to reach up and get me a dirty magazine from the top shelf because I am unable to reach it myself.
“It’s demeaning. Every adult should have equal access to pornographic material regardless of how tall they are.”
Newsagents have by law to keep pornographic material out of the reach of children in their stores. Shop owner Dave Kumar, 32, says he is caught between a rock and hard place.
Mr Kumar told The News Grind: “I have every sympathy for Mr Jarvis but I have no option but to place adult magazines on the top shelf. If I put them on the lower shelf the local council would come down hard on me.”
A pair of stepladders are understood to have been offered to Mr Jarvis so he could access the pornographic material but these were rejected on “a point of principle.”
Mr Jarvis said: “Whilst I am very grateful to Mr Patel for his generous offer, I think it is very important that this matter goes to court so that dwarves everywhere will gain the right to access adult magazines on there terms without having to rely on the goodwill of individual shopkeepers.”
Lawyers representing Mr Jarvis believe that he has got a very strong case but they are well aware that the outcome of the case could largely be determined by the judge’s attitudes towards pornography.
Mr Jarvis said: “An outright victory in court will provide a boost for the thousands of sexually frustrated dwarves who are currently unable to drool over pictures of sexy, voluptuous glamour models.”
Before heading into court today, an emotional Mr Jarvis told waiting reporters: “I have a small packet of handkerchiefs in the top pocket … win or lose today I will most certainly need a few tissues to get me through the night.”
