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Friday, 12 July 2019

Contemptor Jailed for Threatening Presiding Justice


A man has been jailed for threatening the Presiding Justice dealing with his case.

Philip James Thomas, of Heamoor in Penzance, appeared before Truro Magistrates' on another matter on Monday, 8th July 2019. Unfortunately we don't know why he was appearing in the first place, so we'd be grateful if anyone in the know drops us a comment below.

As he was sentenced and led away from the dock he said to the Presiding Justice dealing with his case: "I will be coming for you next".

As convention dictates the 50-year-old was given time to reflect on his behaviour and apologise to the court, but he refused to do so.

Truro Magistrates' Court documents said: "Offence so serious because As Mr Thomas was being led away by the custody officers he became angry and abusive towards the bench and, in particular, he made a threat to the chairman saying in a very menacing manner, 'I will be coming for you next'.

"He has been given time to reflect on his actions and receive advice from his solicitor. He has been given an opportunity to apologise to the court. He refuses to come before the court and apologise for his words and actions.

"We have therefore determined that we will proceed in his absence. We find that Mr Thomas has acted in a manner which amounts to a contempt of court.

"The nature and gravity of what he said is serious. What he did would have caused any reasonable person to fear for their safety. The threat to the chairman is something that is a direct attack upon the administration of justice.

"We find that we have no alternative but to impose a sentence of 28 days for the contempt that Mr Thomas has shown the court today."

In accordance with section 12 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, the Magistrates' Court has the power to imprison any person who insults the Justices (or other officer of the court or witness) for a period not exceeding one month, or to fine them a maximum of £2,500, or both. The court can choose to revoke such a penalty at any time.

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