Man jailed a week for calling judge a 'faggot'

A man facing wounding charges was jailed for seven days for contempt of court today after he abused Christchurch District Court Judge Stephen Erber.

Damien Keen, 24, was appearing on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He called out "Love you babe" to a woman and a baby who were being escorted from the public gallery and was told to "grow up" by Judge Erber.

Keen then told Judge Erber he should keep the court open so he could see his family. Keen swore as he was leaving the dock and called Judge Erber a "f...ing faggot" as police officers took him down to the court cells.

Judge Erber told Keen's lawyer, Mark Callaghan, he would recall his client and charge him with contempt of court. He adjourned the court so Mr Callaghan could talk to Keen.

When Keen was recalled to court, Mr Callaghan told Judge Erber that Keen became upset when he saw his child in the company of a Child Youth and Family caregiver when his mother was supposed to have custody of the infant.

Keen tearfully told Judge Erber: "I'm a fool. The emotions took over and I'm very sorry for what I said to you."

Judge Erber said Keen's "flagrant and direct insult" had been delivered in a contemptuous manner.

He jailed Keen for seven days.

"Without the apology I would have sentenced you to 14 days' imprisonment," Judge Erber said.

Keen has yet to plead to the wounding charge which followed an alleged stabbing involving one of two women also facing similar charges. He is expected back in court on that charge on July 24.

- NZPA