Inmate accused of threatening violence with imitation pistol in Walsall rages about 'corrupt system' during plea hearing
An irate inmate accused of having an imitation pistol in Walsall flew into a rage at a judge, claiming he was being prosecuted for "standing up to authority".
Daniel Griffiths, 37 and of Blakenall Lane, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court via video link from HMP Birmingham.
Griffiths began Tuesday's hearing (December 16) with two separate solicitors representing him for two separate indictments.
He is facing a trial in September 2027 for charges of wounding with intent and assaulting a police officer, allegedly committed in June this year. He was given bail until his trial but was remanded in October after being arrested and charged with possessing an imitation firearm, a pistol, which he allegedly used to cause a person victim to fear violence in Walsall.
Griffiths was due to plead to the charge but before he could be officially arraigned and either admit or deny the offence, he interrupted proceedings through the video-link.
Butting in, he said: "This is all a farce. I am not the bad guy, this is a corrupt system. Just because man's stand up to a corrupt system I get prosecuted.
"What I do not understand is that I have never used no different solicitors. I've never pointed no CS gas at anyone and now I am being harassed in the Green [HMP Birmingham in Winson Green]."
Recorder William Douglas-Jones said: "Could you please be quiet or I will have to have you muted."
Griffiths shot back "well if that's what you want to do, then do it and..." then uttered an expletive which was the last word which could be heard before he was silenced.
The inmate then stood up and could be seen shouting and gesticulating including sticking two fingers up at the camera and miming a solo sex act before banging on the door to leave the room.
Recorder Douglas-Jones said: "The defendant was intent on being abusive and I am not minded to unmute his microphone. He then removed himself from proceedings by knocking on the prison door. In his own interests I am going to carry on with this hearing, for fairness and justice."
The solicitor representing Griffiths in the imitation firearms case described his client as being 'agitated' during their conference earlier and called for the case to be adjourned for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out before he is asked to plead in the case.
Recorder Douglas-Jones said: "I agree there should be a psychiatric assessment before another plea and pre-trial hearing. The assessment should be done within eight weeks and then a plea hearing will be held on March 16."