Jail for calling judge 'mate'

QUEENSLAND - Addressing a magistrate as "mate" got an Australian man thrown in jail.

Thomas John Collins was sent to the cells after twice calling Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin, in Ipswich, Queensland, "mate" during a hearing last week, the Brisbane Courier-Mail reported.

When Magistrate McLaughlin ordered Collins to address him as "sir or your honour", the defendant replied "okay, mate" and was sent for a stint in the cells.

He later returned to the courtroom to apologise.