NC judge holds man in contempt for phone video

FAYETTEVILLE — A man convicted of contempt of court for taking a cell phone video says he will appeal the case because he meant no harm and was just “camera-happy.”

Jaime Cornelius Brown was sentenced to 18 months probation for taking the video last week in District Court Judge Robert Stiehl’s courtroom in Cumberland County.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Wednesday that Brown said he was looking for an attorney to help him appeal.

People aren’t allowed to take photos or recordings in courtrooms without a judge’s permission.

Stiehl was ordered to pay $421 in fines and court costs, and his phone was seized.

Brown said he came to court to support a friend who was facing an assault charge and started recording in case a witness said something entertaining.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)