Cellphone upsets judge

Wanganui-based Judge Michael Crosbie had a bemused reaction when a mobile phone tune rang in the public gallery in Christchurch District Court and its owner sauntered out of the court to answer it.

"It's quite relaxed down here," the judge said. "He'd have been pepper-sprayed in Wanganui."

When it went off again, the judge told the police to confiscate it. He added: "And make him swallow it."

Anyone still unsure about the judge's attitude towards cellphones was soon left in no doubt.

"If anyone else's phone goes off, they'll be spending time in the cells."

Several people hurriedly reached for their phones before the court returned to business.