After putting' questions regarding Police-action in a motor Speed case, Mr, Cris'J. Cottis;* Chairman of a special Epping (Essex) Bench, told a reporter, the only representative of the Press "present, that he did not want his remarks reported.
The reporter pointed out that the remarks were an essential part of the case and it*was his duty to report them? _Mr: Cottis—If you are going to Tteport my remarks you will have to get out.
The reporter—It is -my duty to report the*eases. I have a perfect legal right. 3 Mr. Cottis—Won't -you go?
Inspector Ruggles—When the. Chairman makes a "request itis extremely discourteous_ to refuse.
The reporter—Not at. all; lam merely reporting the cases.
Inspector Ruggles—The" matter of contempt of Court enters into it.
Mr. Cottis—If you don't get out, I will not sit on the Bench. If I tell you, you have to get out.
The reporter—L willjgo only under strong protest and will certainly report the, facts.
Inspector Ruggles—As a matter of fact the remarks were purely personal and addressed by the Chairman to the other magistrate.
"A Strong Protest"
The reporter—On the contrary they were questions from the Chairman to witnesses. I must again enter a strong protest.
Mr. H. B. Creed (the Clerk)
Cannot you accede fo the request and not publish the remarks?
The reporter—I am sent to report the cases and it is my job to do so. I don't determine what goes into the paper; that is for the editor.
Then, after repeated demands by the Chairman, the reporter left the court.
One of the questions which Mr. Cottis asked not to be reported was put by him to a constable during the hearing of a speed summons.
"Surely," he asked, "you do not time a motorist when he is going down a hill? On this particular hill there is Forest land on either side."
The Constable—It is a built-up area.
Mr. Cottis—No, no, it has lamps in it. If is my contention' that it is not a built-up area.
During another case of. alleged speeding on a restricted road which runs through Epping Forest, Mr. Cottis asked a police officer, "Wouldn't it be best for you police people to get them in a more built-up area? It would be a little fairer to the motorist."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.