“AMOUNTS TO CONTEMPT”

Evening Star, Issue 20316, 26 October 1929, Page 19

“AMOUNTS TO CONTEMPT”

BREEZE !H POLICE COURT DEFENDANT APOLOGISES A case against two men, charged with disorderly behaviour while drunk, had been practically finished in the Police Court this morning when one of the defendants, who was ordered not to lounge in the dock, allowed his tongue to run away with him. As a consequence he w r as ordered to lie placed in custody. When brought back into court he apologised for his conduct. The defendants in the case were George Weir and Andrew Reid Paterson. Sub-inspector Cummings said that last evening the two men were drunk in Customhouse square. They were drinking liquor there and preventing people from going into the public convenience. They were ordered out bv a constable, and when they came bach again, they were arrested. Weir said be had lost bis job this week, and was not feeling well. He had taken more liquor than was good for him. He had a wife and three children. The' Magistrate (Mr J R. Bartholomew, S.M.) imposed a fine on each of 20s, with witnesses’ expenses, ss, in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. The question of time for payment was being discussed when Paterson, a tall, slim man, was seen leaning oath o front rail of the dock. “ Stand up in the dock,” commanded the court orderly. “ It’s all right ” began the defendant. Court Orderly: Don’t answer me back. Remember you are in court. ■ Defendant: I’m not well. That’s why I got drunk, and I wasn’t that bad, either. Further statements were cut short by His Worship’s order that he should be placed in custody. On the defendant’s return, the Magistrate told him that his off'iico amounted to contempt of court, and asked him if he could see any reason why he should not be dealt with then, “ I’m not well,” persisted the defeudant. - His Worship; The best course you can adopt is to apologise. The defendant did so.