People v. Gilliam

The Circuit Court of McLean County found the defendant guilty of contempt of court for conduct arising out of his testimony as a witness in a criminal case and summarily sentenced him to 120 days in the county jail. The required judgment order detailing the salient facts was entered and the defendant now appeals. A brief recitation of the factual background is essential for a clear view of the picture portrayed by this record.

Defendant and two others were indicted for the crime of arson and burglary occurring on May 28, 1964. On May 29, the defendant confessed and involved not only himself…