Man jailed for seven days after taking photograph in court

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC ordered Benjamin Mills be detained after the usher saw what he had done at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

Mills, 23, deleted the photograph after he realised he was in trouble but was held in custody while he received legal advice after the judge told him taking photographs in court was “strictly forbidden” saying there were signs around the building pointing that out.

Later Mills of St Hilda’s Road, Cross Green, Leeds was brought back into court and admitted contempt.

Kara Frith, representing him, told the court he accepted he had been a “complete idiot”.

She said Mills was not aware what he was doing was a criminal offence and had taken the photograph quite publicly “because he did not realise his actions would result in him being arrested”.

“When challenged in court he admits he might have appeared rude and apologises for that,” she added.

Ms Frith explained that Mills was in court to see a close friend who was appearing on a plea and case management whom he had not seen for some time and the photograph was taken of him. He had deleted it when it was raised with him.

“He had no intention to disrespect the court and sometimes acts before he thinks.”

She said Mills suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder since childhood for which he took medication. It had, however, caused him to get in trouble in the past for stupid offences.

Ms Frith told the court there was a different side to him and he had just started a college course training to be a fitness instructor.

Judge Collier told Mills: “You are no stranger to the courts. You came to court this morning to support a friend here for a plea and case management and when he was taken down you stood up and took a photograph of him.

“This is a very serious matter, it has been forbidden for years. I am satisfied the custody threshold is crossed.