Jail threatened after court ruckus
MAGISTRATE Thomas Killeen has threatened a member of the public galley with the jail as a female defendant began to swear like a drunken sailor in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court, causing a ruckus among spectators.
The accused, Tanya Atkins, unleashed a four-letter-filled rant against the justice system that got onlookers guffawing.
A furious Magistrate Killen said to the public gallery: “If you don’t settle down I’ll have you placed in custody.”
Clearly exasperated he then turned his attention too Atkins as she continued pour forth profanities.
“The courts do not condone people going off in court,” he said.
“You won’t even let me finish talking – can’t you keep your mouth shut and listen.”
Atkins fronted the court on five charges relating to an encounter with police during which it is alleged she assaulted and obstructed police, damaged police property and created a public nuisance.
Atkins believed that she was due to answer three charges only and became irate when Magistrate Killen read out five charges from the bench.
The matter was adjourned to June 9 for mention.
