People v. Roberts

Judgment unanimously affirmed. Memorandum: The court did not abuse its discretion in closing the courtroom to spectators during the testimony of the rape victim (see, Judiciary Law § 4). The charges involved sordid, demeaning acts and required embarrassing testimony. The court was informed that the victim was tense and would be more comfortable testifying in private (see, People v Joseph, 59 NY2d 496, 498-499; People v Pctsko, 115 AD2d 114, 115, lv denied 67 NY2d 887). Although it would have been preferable for the court to conduct a hearing on the closure issue, none was required and the…