State v. Scott

Foth, C.J.:

Defendant Ricky Scott was tried for burglary and felony theft before a Sedgwick County jury in January, 1983. Defendant, who was free on bond, appeared at the first day of trial but failed to appear on the second day. The trial court found that defendant’s failure to appear was voluntary and was done solely “to frustrate the administration of justice.” The trial proceeded in defendant’s absence, with the jury returning a verdict of guilty on both counts. On the third day of trial, after the case had gone to the jury, defendant made a long-distance telephone call to his counsel. He…