All that waiting around for about five minutes of action. The ex-stuntman accused of stealing film rushes from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ must have pleaded guilty (I missed that bit) and so he got to wait around a few more hours along with all the drunk drivers and benefit fraudsters. Then he was convicted on two charges, his bail conditions agreed on (he loses his passport and has to report to the court weekly) and that was that until sentencing, which will take place next month. He’s still got name suppression.
It’s all nothing like court on TV. The lawyers do a kind of ritual cringe towards the judge as they enter and leave, the accused vary between a sneer ( standard for violent offenders) and merely looking hangdog (like this film thief.)
Other than that, it’s hard to make out what’s going on. We’ll bring you more news as it comes to hand.
Film thief gets his day in court.
July 10th, 2000 by Tehanu
