The replica had a six-inch blade inside a sheath from which it could be released with the press of a button, according to Warwickshire Police.

In most of the Zelda games, protagonist Link wields the Master Sword, also called the Blade of Evil’s Bane, to defeat the evil Ganon or Ganondorf and rescue Princess Zelda.

Anthony Bray, 48, was approached by police officers in Nuneaton town centre after being spotted on CCTV with something in his hand.

Although he described the replica as a fidget toy, Bray was charged and found guilty of being found in possession of a bladed article in public.

Sgt Spellman of Warwickshire Police’s patrol investigations unit said: “We take a zero tolerance to bladed articles in public, and Bray has fallen afoul of this.

“It is possible to find fidget toys that aren’t six-inch blades. It is possible not to walk down the street holding them out in front of you.

“With a bit more self-awareness, Bray could have avoided contact with us completely.”