Brighton Magistrates Court has cleared 81-year-old Sheikh Abid Gulzar of possessing a bladed article after he testified that he was traveling to his personal lake to go fishing when officers discovered an eight-inch knife in his vehicle. Gulzar, who has been nicknamed 'Goldfinger' due to his fondness for gold sports cars and jewelry, was stopped by police in May 2025.
During a search for medication, an officer found the knife in the driver's glove compartment. Gulzar explained the knife was part of his fishing tackle, intended for filleting fish and cutting weeds. He also stated it could be used to treat maggot infestations on sheep on his land. He noted that fishing nets, tackle, and folding chairs were present in the rear of the van as evidence of his intended activity. After a 90-minute trial, District Judge Amanda Kelly found Gulzar not guilty, stating she was "just about persuaded that at the time you had a good reason for having that knife in your car that day." However, the judge issued a warning against possessing knives with blades longer than three inches.
Gulzar is a notable figure on the south coast, having purchased Eastbourne Pier in 2015 and Hastings Pier in 2018. His ownership of Eastbourne Pier drew controversy when he painted fixtures, including a camera obscura cupola, gold. He also faced criticism for announcing plans to ban dogs, cycling, fishing, and picnics, and to implement an entrance fee. At Hastings Pier, he introduced brightly colored fiberglass animals.
In recent years, ten of Gulzar's twelve companies have been liquidated or dissolved, with many owing significant sums. He is scheduled to face trial in November on ten fraud charges related to the alleged provision of water to his hotels, to which he and a business associate have pleaded not guilty. Additionally, one of his companies faces a winding-up petition from British Gas Trading Limited over an alleged unpaid debt of £1.3 million, and bankruptcy notices have been filed against three of his hotels.
Separately, a fire at Eastbourne Pier earlier this year was contained by firefighters and determined to be accidental, causing minimal damage.