LARGO, Fla. -- A judge ordered officers to tape shut the mouth of a convicted killer who was spouting insults and expletives during a court appearance.
Judge Brandt Downey had sentenced Emory Carter to life in prison last month for murder during an appearance that saw Carter curse and spit at the judge.
A few days later, Downey realized he had forgotten to ask Carter, who represented himself during trial, if he wanted an attorney for his sentencing.
So corrections deputies brought Carter, 25, back to court Monday in a Hannibal Lecter-like restraint chair. Again, Carter began hurling expletives and insults.
This time, Downey told bailiffs to get out the duct tape.
With Carter's mouth sealed, Downey asked him if he wanted an attorney. Carter shook his head side to side and offered a muffled "uh-uh" sound, Downey said.
The judge said it was the first time he has ordered a defendant's mouth taped, though he knows others have done it.
"There have been instances of that happening before, but it's a very rare event," said Public Defender Bob Dillinger, who said he thought Downey could have handled Carter differently.
"I think the preferred method would be removal from the courtroom, but I can't say that it's illegal or unethical," Dillinger said of the taping. "
http://www.local6.com/news/4131764/detail.html
Judge Brandt Downey had sentenced Emory Carter to life in prison last month for murder during an appearance that saw Carter curse and spit at the judge.
A few days later, Downey realized he had forgotten to ask Carter, who represented himself during trial, if he wanted an attorney for his sentencing.
So corrections deputies brought Carter, 25, back to court Monday in a Hannibal Lecter-like restraint chair. Again, Carter began hurling expletives and insults.
This time, Downey told bailiffs to get out the duct tape.
With Carter's mouth sealed, Downey asked him if he wanted an attorney. Carter shook his head side to side and offered a muffled "uh-uh" sound, Downey said.
The judge said it was the first time he has ordered a defendant's mouth taped, though he knows others have done it.
"There have been instances of that happening before, but it's a very rare event," said Public Defender Bob Dillinger, who said he thought Downey could have handled Carter differently.
"I think the preferred method would be removal from the courtroom, but I can't say that it's illegal or unethical," Dillinger said of the taping. "
http://www.local6.com/news/4131764/detail.html
