DRUNK IN COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1932, Page 2

DRUNK IN COURT

LITIGANT 'ARRESTED. SPENDS NIGHT IN CELLS. ROTORUA, March 8. In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon a litigant in a civil action, Richard F. A. Tangye, earned a night in the cells by appearing in Court in a drunken condition. When hig case was called on he attempted to assist his counsel by frequent interjections. He would not keep quiet, and a Court orderly took him outside, which caused Mr Paterson, ’ S.M,, to soy to bis counsel: “I trust your client is quite sober. “I sincerely hope so sir,” replied counsel. “I am sorry to disappoint uiy learned friend,” said the opposing counsel, “but I have grave doubts.” As the case proceeded, Tangye took intimate interest in the proceedings from the doorway, and saluted whenever the magistrate’s eye fell upon him. A mild sensation was caused, however, when he entered the witness box and cheerfully referred to the opposing counsel at “the old h]oke with the bluebells” and called upon the Deity to witness that he had no sense. The magistrate promptly ordered his arrest, and lie wns removed from the witness box to a cell. This morning he appeared in a chastened mood and pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness, breach of his prohibition order and contempt' of Court. The magistrate said lie was sorry he had been compelled to take the action lie had taken on the previous day. He had made allowances, but it had to be realised that a court of justify was a court of justice and had to lie conducted with decorum. It was contempt to come to the Court in a drunken condition. However, Tangye had had a night in the cells, and that should impress upon him the necessity for acting properly in future. On the charges of drunkenness and contempt of Court he was convicted and discharged. For breaking bis prohibition order ho was fined £2.