Commonwealth v. Worthy

OLSZEWSKI, Judge:

This is an appeal from a judgment of sentence for direct criminal contempt. 1 Appellant argues that his conduct at trial did not warrant such a finding, claiming instead that his words and actions were simply a by-product of zealous advocacy. Because we find no abuse of discretion, we affirm the lower court’s ruling.

Appellant, a pro se defendant, was held in contempt on three separate occasions during the second day of his trial regarding allegations of robbery and simple assault. The first contempt citation resulted from appellant’s conduct in refusing to wear civilian…