Mr,Peters was in the dock. His neighbour, Mr.Davies, was part of
the jury.
»is it not true,« began the prosecution,"that on the night
in question, you took a hammer from your shed and employed
it as a weapon to injure your wife?"
Before the accused could answer, there came a shout
from his neighbour in the jury-
»you swine!«
»Please, sir: contain yourself« retorted the judge, "show some
respect for the court"
Mr.Davies serttled and the case proceeded.
»Is it not also true,« continued the prosecution, "that
the hammer involved caused severe..."
»You complete bastard!« The eruption came from Mr.Davies
I implore you, sir, to adopt a manner befitting this court»«
the judge interjected, "I realise that this case has strong
emotional implications for any of us ,however ,please contain yourself
and hear the evidence through before making a judgement
on any of the parties involved"
»I'm sorry, your honour.« replied Mr.Davies,settling.
The prosecution went on:"The injuries caused by the hammer
were..."
»I'ii kill you!« cried Mr.Davies, pointing at the defendant
»That is the last straw!« cried the judge,»what have you to say in your defence for upsetting the harmony of this court?«
»Well, your honour,« said Mr.Davies,"I'm sorry, but I
asked the defendant three times last year if I could
borrow a hammer, and he told me he didn't have one!"
|