DRUNK IN COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 58, 9 March 1932, Page 3

DRUNK IN COURT.

LITIGANT ARRESTED

SPENDS NIGHT IN CEM-S,

MAGISTRATE'S PROMPT ACTION,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

ROTORUA, Tuesday.

I In the Magistrate's Court yesterday 'afternoon a litigant in a civil action, Richard F. A. Tangye, earned a night in the cells by appearing in Court in a drunken' condition. When his case was called on he attempted to assist his counsel by frequent interjections. He would not keep quiet, and a Court orderly took him outside, which caused Mr. Paterson, S.M., to say to his counsel: "I trust your client is quite sober." "I sincerely hope eo, sir," replied counsel. "I am sorry to disappoint my learned friend," said the opposing counsel, "but I have grave doubts." As the case proceeded, Tangye took intimate interest in the proceedings from the doorway, and saluted whenever the magistrate's eye fell upon him. A mild sensation was caused, however, when he entered the witness box and cheerfully referied to the opposing counsel as "the old bloke with the bluebells" and called upon the Deity to witness that he had no sense. The magistrate promptly ordered his arrest, and he was removed from the witness box 4o a cell. This morning he appeared in a chastened mood and pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness, breach of his prohibition order and contempt of Court. The magistrate eaid he was sorry he had been compelled to take the action he had taken on the previous day. He had made allowances, but it had to be realised that a court of justice was a court of justice and had to be conducted with decorum. It was contempt to come to the Court in a drunken condition. However, Tangye had had a night in the cells, and that should impress upon him tho necessity for acting properly in future.

On the charges of drunkenness and contempt of Court he was convicted and discharged. For breaking his prohibition order he was fiaed £2.