Man cleared of Rape gets jail time for contempt.

[pantsonfire321@aol.com]

Man cleared of rape gets jail time for contempt

By James Monteleone The Daily Times

Article Launched: 05/08/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT



FARMINGTON — A 51-year-old man acquitted of rape charges was sentenced Tuesday to serve a month in jail for contempt of court after calling his accuser a liar after the rape case verdict was read.

Gilbert Oldfield, of Farmington, was accused of picking up a 21-year-old woman at a gas station

in his mobile home, and driving her to the Bubble City truck stop, allegedly to rape her.

Following the three-day trial that ended April 25, Old-

field was found not guilty of the crime by a jury, but while leaving the state district court room he called the alleged victim a "lying bitch."

District Judge Sandra Price said the 30-day jail sentence was the most she's ever given on a contempt charge.

"I thought the behavior, given it was in the courtroom in front of everyone, was pretty egregious," she said. "I was very offended by what he did."

After Oldfield's statement was heard by the court bailiff, Price filed an order for the man to appear at a Tuesday hearing to explain his behavior.

"Part of his defense

was, Court was over, you had sent us on our way,'" the judge said. "My perception is it doesn't end until someone is out of the courtroom, and out of the parking lot."

Attorney Ron Adamson, representing Oldfield, did not return calls for comment.

The heavy sentence sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the courtroom, the judge said.

"There is a duty of the judge to make sure the courtroom is an open forum so people can feel comfortable coming to court and having their side of the story heard," she said. "They shouldn't be called names."

Although the charge was not filed by the District Attorney's Office, Deputy District Attorney David Ottman said the state had an obligation to appear on behalf of the victim.

"The state thinks (the sentence) is appropriate," said Ottman, who prosecuted the initial case.



James Monteleone: jmonteleone@daily-times.com

[RedGlitter]

What do you think about this, Pants?

I don't agree with it myself. Presuming the guy was truly innocent I think he had every right to call her that, courtroom or not. I'd cite free speech but I know that doesn't float in a courtroom.

[pantsonfire321@aol.com]

RedGlitter;860665 wrote: What do you think about this, Pants?

I don't agree with it myself. Presuming the guy was truly innocent I think he had every right to call her that, courtroom or not. I'd cite free speech but I know that doesn't float in a courtroom.


I think its madness. He called her a liar, he could of said a whole lot more .

I guess because he was acquitted we have to presume hes innocent so in that case he has every right to say what he dam well likes but, for all we know it could be something very different .

[flopstock]

He had no business talking like that in a court of law. Can you just imagine if everyone who won a court case got a free shot at the other side...YIKES!:wah:

[Peg]

If I were in his shoes, and being tried for a crime I didn't commit, I would have said MUCH worse.

[suzy_creamcheese]

considering that there is such a tiny percentage of rape cases that even get to court let alone charges brought, the fact he was aquitted doesnt necessarily mean anything.

He still shouldnt have shouted that out. If he did do it can you imagine how much worse that would be for the victim

[Peg]

And if he didn't do it? What charges have been brought against her for a false claim?

[Accountable]

flopstock;861330 wrote: He had no business talking like that in a court of law. Can you just imagine if everyone who won a court case got a free shot at the other side...YIKES!:wah:
Maybe they should. :yh_think Especially when acquitted of a crime.