Court adjourned due to phone call

 By CHARLES MOI

JUSTICE Stephen Kassman adjourned court for a few minutes yesterday after a mobile phone rang inside the packed court room. 

Kassman was presiding over a case in the Waigani National Court when a mobile phone rang and interrupted court proceedings. 

The person whose mobile phone had rung fled out the door before security officers could catch him.

Kassman ordered that the person be identified and brought back to court immediately. 

After the court had adjourned, a man was brought to court but later released after it was established he was an innocent party.

Court staff warned everyone that all mobile phones must be switched off in the courtroom. 

Court proceedings recommenced minutes later with the man who caused the disturbance earlier not returning to the courtroom.