Contempt warning

Unwilling accused tries Wick court's patience

A SHERIFF will decide today tomorrow whether to hold man in contempt for his unco-operative attitude to road traffic charges.
Sheriff Andrew Berry issued the warning, at Wick, yesterday telling the Gabor Henyel: "You have tried the patience of this court quite enough".
Henyel, 38, faces charges of using a car without insurance in Thurso on January 10, and failing to advise the authorities of a change in his personal details relating to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
Over the course of three appearances, the court has been unable to ascertain how Henyel intended to plead. Until today he would not confirm his name.
Sheriff Berry was again unable to get a 'simple yes-or-no guilty or not guilty' response from the accused regarding his pleas.
The sheriff told Henyel, of 35 Braal Terrace, Halkirk village: "I get the impression you are trying to do anything and everything to avoid dealing with this matter. You are giving the impression that you are not subject to the authority of this court."
When Henyel failed to reply immediately, the Sheriff Berry commented :" Your silence speaks volumes" and warned the accused he might be in contempt of court.
Henyel was instructed to return to court tomorrow with a solicitor.