State v. Beckham

Littlejohn, Associate Justice:

Appellant Donnie Beckham was convicted of housebreaking and grand larceny. Prior to trial, Beckham’s attorney moved for continuance because of remarks made by the trial judge on the previous day, incident to another case. The motion was denied. Beckham appeals, alleging abuse of discretion. We affirm.

The remarks had occurred following a verdict of not guilty in a case in which Beckham’s counsel had represented an absent defendant on a charge of driving under the influence. The judge told the jury, apparently in the presence of the jury venire:

“I want you to know…