UNUSUAL SIGHT IN COURT

Taranaki Daily News, 8 August 1930, Page 16

UNUSUAL SIGHT IN COURT

EX-DETECTIVE’S BEHAVIOUR. During the hearing of a case in the Magistrate’s Court at Dunedin last week, in which John Frederick Hammerly, an ex-detective,. was the defendant, the unusual sight of the defendant in a civil case being taken into custody was afforded those in the courtroom. Whilst counsel for the plaintiff (Mr. B. S. Irwin) was examining a witness, Hammerly persisted in interrupting loudly and took little heed of the magistrate (Mr. J. R. Bartholomew) when he warned him that such rudeneofi would not be tolerated. So persistent was Hammerly in his breach of Court etiquette that the magistrate’s patience became exhausted and Hammerly was ordert I to be removed in custody. After a short interval he was brought back before the magistrate, and he stood against the railing in a slovenly manner. The magistrate: Stand in the proper manner and do not aggravate your position, Hammerly. Your behaviour has been rude and most offensive. Hammerly: Well, I will not have counsel telling untruths. The magistrate: Do not interrupt me when I am addressing you. ' I regret that I have had to take this step, but you have interrupted repeatedly. I shall now order you to be released from custody to enable the cage to proceed. You have been wilfully objectionable and offensive, and this conduct must ceaae. If you persist the powera of the Court must be asserted. After a abort hearing the case was further adjourned, ’ .