On January 23 serial prankster and star of ABC TV’s The Chaser’s War On Everything, Chas Licciardello, was found not guilty of offensive behaviour after a set-up for a sketch at a rugby league game last year.

Police didn’t see the funny side when Licciardello tried to sell fake weapons as Bulldogs merchandise at a match at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, in July 2006.

Sydney Magistrate Joanne Keogh found that while Licciardello’s behaviour may have been silly, a reasonable person would not find it offensive.

The decision was hailed as a victory for free speech, particularly as another of the ABC’s satirical programs, The Glasshouse, was controversially axed late last year.

After the verdict Licciardello, draped in an Australian flag on his way to the Big Day Out, told the media how disappointed he was at the decision.

“I will not rest until this injustice has been corrected,” Licciardello said.

“We will be appealing the decision to the Supreme Court, to the High Court, to the UN, to the Jedi council and to the snickometer.”

When someone pointed out that the decision had actually gone his way, Licciardello apologised: “I’m sorry, I didn’t actually prepare any material for the off chance we won, I’m sorry.”