Unruly Witness Rebuked by Magistrate

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 40, 17 February 1938, Page 7

Unruly Witness Rebuked by Magistrate

Called Out From Rear of Court

“YOU HAVE BEEN DRINKING’*

Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Last Night. The protracted hearing of a case in the city Police Court this afternoon was suddenly interrupted by a witness who challenged a statement read out by the clerk of the Court. In the morning when the witness, Richard Toms, fruiterer, of Coal Creek, was called on to give evidence, some difficulty was experienced with him, and he was ordered to stand down. In the afternoon the hearing had been continued for some time in a normal manner, but when his name was mentioned Toms called from the rear of the Court: “I challenge that statement.” The Court orderly called tor silence, but the clerk had no sooner re-commenced reading than witness stood up and again called out. The Magistrate (Mr. J. R. Bartholomew) then ordered Toms to be taken into custody for contempt of Court. At the conclusion of the hearing of the case he was brought before the Magistrate. The Magistrate: What do you mean by appearing in this condition? You must apologise to the Court. Toms: If any apology is necessary, I offer it. The Magistrate: Don’t aggravate your offence. You have been drinking. Toms: I have not. The Magistrate: Do you mean to say that you have not had anything to drink? Toms: I may have had a little. The Magistrate: You Have been guilty of contempt of Court. I give you an opportunity to apolocifce. Toms said he was willing to apologise. The Magistrate: I will require more than that. You have been guilty of gross contempt. He then ordered Toms to be detained in custody until the Court rose. Toms also forfeited his expenses as a witness.