Untitled

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2031, 8 July 1875, Page 2

- Judge Stephen, at the last Assize Court afc Dubbo, New South Wales, had to request the jury "to leave off munching apples and listen to him." But that disrespect was not so bad as a juryman showed to a. Supreme^ Court judge in Victoria not very long ago. When his Honor commenced his charge, the foreman of the jury, on whom he had • fixed his eyes, calmly and deliberately, in view of the whole court, winked at him. The judge tried not, to: notice the: insult, . and turned-'his eyes away to' other members of the jury.' But it was inVain, ■ there was a horrible fascination about the foreman that compelled him to meet his glance, and every time he looked be was winking and making faces.; The.audible titters in the court at last forced Him to vindicate the dignity of his position. "If you are not more respectful, sir," said he, " I-will commit,you for contempt.'.', -.The foreman winked at,this so absurdly,' that even the prisoner in the dock, burst ; but laughing. " Your conduct is. disgrapeful, sir," said the judge.. •• I will adjourn the court for 24 hours, and send-you to .gaol for that time." The unfortunate juryman just spoke iv time to save himself. Ho. . was subject to a neryous complaint, which, whenever he became excited,' manifested itself in the"se facial contortion's. ' His, very anxiety to follow the judge made him wink, and he had ..not ] the slightest 'idea pf disrespect. His Honor brought .Jug charge to an untimely conclusion, and the sheriu" received instructions never to ' summon the winker again.