Judge Shouts In Court, Hearing Impaired Man Sent To Jail

A Seminole County judge shouted at a hearing impaired man in court, and then ordered him to jail as he awaited trial for a misdemeanor charge.

55-year-old Daniel Bradshaw is facing a marijuana charge, but was locked up, after Judge Ralph Eriksson determined Bradshaw was wasting the court's time last Thursday.

"Do you understand that? Do you understand that?," said Eriksson. "Well yes, I understand, but can I ask a question," said Bradshaw.

Email News Sign-Up Multiple Choices - Auto sign-up (LEFT ALIGN) GET WFTV NEWS HEADLINES BY EMAIL 9 a.m. Headlines Noon Headlines 4 p.m. Headlines News of the Strange Breaking News Alerts During the plea hearing, Bradshaw, who was free awaiting trial, questioned the judge about the legal proceedings. A public defender informed the judge the man had hearing problems.

"What plea are you entering on this charge," said Judge Eriksson. The public defender then said, "Your honor, Mr. Bradshaw informed me that he's having trouble hearing you."

"Have you heard what I said so far," said Judge Eriksson. Bradshaw replied yes sir. The judge then said "What plea are you entering so far?"

When Bradshaw entered a not guilty plea, Judge Eriksson sent him to jail with a $5,000 bond, even though prosecutors did not request incarceration.

Judith Kinney, Chief Assistant Public Defender said, "We're going to take a look at the video to see if there are any legal avenues available to Mr. Bradshaw."

The Public Defender's Office has requested the extended version of the video. They want to see if Judge Eriksson went too far in a bout with anger.

Since Judge Eriksson found that Bradshaw interrupted the administration of justice, he still has not come up with the money to bond out.

Meanwhile, The Public Defenders Office plans to do all they can to get him released until his misdemeanor trial proceeds.