PRISONER GAGGED IN COURT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11825, 30 November 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

PRISONER GAGGED IN COURT.

John* Williau M'Cabtiiy was brought up at the Quarter Sessions at Wakefield a few days ago on a charge of stealing a mare, a dogcart, a double set of silver-mounted harness, and a number of other articles, the property of James Duff, at Halifax, on September 24. As soon as the prisoner was. put up to plead he denied in a loud voice that his name was M'Carthy, and then pro. ceeded to address the Court, using every conceivable abusive epithet. lie refused to keep silent and made such a noise that itwas quite impossible to proceed with the trial. Eventually the chairman (Mr. Slingsby) was compelled to order him to be taken down to the cells. Addressing the jury, the chairman said he was informed that the prisoner was not mentally deranged, and that his extraordinary behaviour could only be explained on the ground that he wished to delay the trial. Eventually the prisoner was examined by the prison doctor. Later in the afternoou the prisoner was again arraigned to plead, when he once more began shouting in Court at the top of his voice. The doctor having deposed that the prisoner was of sound mind, the chairman told him that unless he kept quiet he would be gagged. Eventually it was found necessary to handcuff the prisoner, and a gag was used to prevent him from interrupting the case for the prosecution. It was removed every time the prisoner was entitled to cross-examine the witnesses or address the Court. The prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to seven years' penal servitude.