Stock Photo - Aug. 08, 1973 - Sikh Defies Ruling On Crash Helmets: An English-born Sikh was fined -1 on each of 14 summonses for failing to wear a crash helmet in accordance with the new motor cycle regulations, when he appeared at Bedford magistrates court yesterday. He drove away from the court still without protective headgear. Hans Walter Powles, of Salisbury Road, Bedford, who changed his name to Mohan Hartung Singh when he was converted to the Sikh religion two years ago, told the magistrates: 'his head belonged to God' and h e would not remove his turban to put on a crash helmet. He was told by magistrates 'If your religion precludes you from removing your turban you must cease to ride a motor cycle,' The magistrates' decision will affect about 200,000 Sikhs living in Britain. The barrister representing Powles, told the magistrates: 'This case has interest beyond the four walls of this court.' The wearing of the turban was mandatory for Sikhs. It was recognised by the British Government in the last war when Sikhs were exempted from wearing steel helmets even though they had to face the enemy. Photo Shows:- Mohan Hartung Singh seen being booked again for not wearing a crash helmet, when he arrived at the court in Bedford yesterday. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)