Contempt for judge

A supporter of pro-drugs campaigner Gary Meyerhoff spent about two hours in the cells of Darwin Magistrate’s Court yesterday after being cited for contempt of court.

When police withdrew three charges against Meyerhoff, which arose from the first smoke-in at Raintree Park on April 20, Nicolette Burrows clapped and cheered loudly.

Magistrate Daynor Trigg, presiding in Court 1, told her to stop and Burrows gave the magistrate a mock salute.

Mr Trigg, ordering Burrows be taken into custody, said she had disturbed the proceedings and shown “contempt in the face of the court”.

Burrows, brought up from the cells about 12.20pm, began talking about “accusations of bias” against Mr Trigg.

But Mr Trigg explained he was the sole decider of contempt proceedings and it was not possible to plead not guilty.

“If it is going to make you feel better I will apologise,” Ms Burrows said.

Mr Trigg said Burrows personal view did not matter – as a magistrate he represented a position.

“I deal with the flotsam and jetsam of society – all sorts of people,” he said.

“I put up with a lot of behaviour and I try to let it wash over me,” he said.

Burrows told Mr Trigg hers had been a “natural reaction” to the charges “over which we had all been stressing” being dropped.

“I’m sorry if you were offended when I saluted you,” she said more contritely.

“That was offensive,” the magistrate said.

He found Burrows guilty. Advised she was a student on a benefit, he fined her $10 with a $20 victim levy, allowing 28 days to pay.

Burrows said “Thank you.”

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Fri, 18 October 2002
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Bob Watt
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2002 Northern Territory News