A judge ordered a defendant's mouth to be taped shut in court after he refused to stop talking during his sentencing. Franklyn Williams appeared in court with red tape over his mouth after a number of outbursts during proceedings. The 32-year-old had been convicted in December of robbery, kidnapping, theft, misuse of credit cards and having weapons under a disability. Appearing at Cuyahoga County Court in Ohio, Judge John Russo ordered his mouth to be taped after around half an hour of interruptions before taping his mouth, Judge Russo told Williams to "Zip it, right now" multiple times, before asking him "does that make sense".
Speaking about his decision to tape the defendant's mouth, Judge Russo said: "Mr Williams I know was someone who liked to speak."Each has the right to make a record with my court reporter, but we can't do it at the same time."We can't do it yelling over each other, so my intent today as always was never to silence Mr Williams he would have his time and opportunity to speak when it was appropriate."Six deputies were called in to tape Williams mouth shut. Before his trial, Williams was placed on house arrest but attempted to flee after cutting off his ankle tag. The convicted criminal then claimed he had no recollection of removing his tag and trying to escape because he'd been hit over the head. Williams was eventually sentenced to 24 years.
The 32-year-old had been convicted in December of robbery, kidnapping, theft, misuse of credit cards and having weapons under a disability. Appearing at Cuyahoga County Court in Ohio, Judge John Russo ordered his mouth to be taped after around half an hour of interruptions.