Judge Orders Convicted Killer's Mouth Taped in Court

DELAND, Fla. (AP) - A Daytona Beach man who was convicted of fatally beating a retired banker even though another man confessed to the crime had his mouth taped during his sentencing hearing Thursday after he repeatedly said "I didn't do it."

Circuit Judge S. James Foxman ordered the taping after Richard England, 32, made repeated outbursts proclaiming his innocence, some directed at the victim's family, before the jury recommended a death sentence.

Jurors did not see the deputies tape his mouth, but they returned from their chambers to see England sitting handcuffed with gray duct tape covering his mouth as attorneys made closing arguments.

The jury voted 8-4 to recommend death for England, who was convicted Monday of first-degree murder and armed robbery with a deadly weapon. Foxman is scheduled to sentence England in July.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGBAYGRPRUD.html

of Bobby Seale taped during the trial as well as had him bound to his chair.

I think that's grounds for either a mistrial or appeal. The judge had the option of the penalty of contempt of court if the defendant spoke out of turn.

For someone who's facing the death penalty? How's that going to stop his outbursts? lol...

to have the defendant removed from the courtroom to watch the proceedings on closed circuit TV in another room, if he or she is disruptive.

Of course we here in California can't really talk...