UPROAR IN COURT

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 27, 1 August 1932, Page 9

UPROAR IN COURT

EXCITED DEFENDANT

ARRESTED FOR CONTEMPT

I Shouting at the top of his voice, abusing his wife and her solicitor in strong terms and gesticulating wildly, David James Richards, a former University professor, was led out of the Magistrate's Court this morning- in custody for -contempt of Court. Richards and his wife have appeared .in tho Courts a number of times over their matrimonial-affairs, and recently separation and maintenance orders made in favour of the wife were the subject of a judgment by Mr. Justice Ostler. Whenever he has appeared, Richards has become very excited and has made serious allegations against his wife.

Last Monday Richards was charged with being in arrears on the orders made for,, the support of his wife' and child, and after hearing evidence, Mr. W. H. 'Vvoodward, S.M., adjourned the case until to-day to allow the defendant to produce a certain statement dealing' with his financial position. To-day when the -case was called Richards immediately commenced allegations about his wife, and he was warned several times by the Magistrate. The warning, quietened the defendant temporarily, but he repeatedly interrupted,- and at length the Magistrate told the Court orderly to take Richards in charge for contempt of the Court and to take him outside.'

"I don't want to deal with this matter in the absence of the defendant," said Mr. Woodward to counsel for the wife, after the uproar had subsided. "I will if it is absolutely necessary, but he may perhaps moderate his behaviour.''

Counsel: <(He won't, Sir. I have had this in every Court I have had to deal with him."

The Magistrate: "Well he might perhaps." -

When Richards was brought back to the Court this afternoon he apologised to the Magistrate for his. behaviour. Ho again went into the witness-box, and after hearing him further the Magistrate sentenced him to one month's imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended if ho pays £40 plus current maintenance, forthwith, and SSO within the'month of August. "It's a shame: Is this New Zealand justice?" muttered the defendant as he left the witness-box.