Court Report: 6th August 2020 @ Snaresbrook Crown Court
I’m in Court 17 this morning before His Honour Judge T Greene for the 10.30 sentencing of a Mr ‘DJ’.
While waiting for the hearing to begin my eyes are drawn to an object on the Judges bench that readers who have ever ordered cheap sports kit online will recognise. It’s a novelty oversized ‘Sports Direct’ mug holding an assortment of pens.
Going back to DJ – the indictment relates to a charge from 2014 which the judge admits “may have already been dealt with”. DJ looks confused but the Judge continues “I’m sorry you’ve been brought here … you’re here by mistake”.
As background DJ appears to be on remand for two matters which were intended to have been passed from Croydon Magistrates Court to Croydon Crown Court. No one knows why he has been transported by prison van to Snaresbrook for a separate matter that apparently was dealt with last year.
What is described as a “bit of an error” by the Judge is not taken well by DJ. “It’s not fair” he shouts from the dock flanked by two guards. “I’m told one thing then another, it’s bang out of order”.
Once led away it appears the microphone can still pick up what’s happening in the corridor outside the dock. DJ is not happy and an altercation occurs between him and the guards. Lots of shouting – “get off my foot” he cries out “Shameful”. The court staff wonder if they should ring someone, but they assure themselves there’s enough panic alarms back there.
I’m quietly asked to leave but I gently protest saying I consider there’s public interest in how this episode will conclude.
After a few minutes the arguing subsides, and the judge advises the advocate for the CPS that she can leave. This was “not anyone in this courts fault” he says.
Article 6 of the Human Rights Act ‘protects your right to a fair trial’. Was what happened today fair to DJ?
Mouse in the Court 