Sean Avery insists on representing himself in court; lawyer walks out

Leave it to Sean Avery to be a pest even in front of a judge. The former NHLer was in a Manhattan court room Thursday on a misdemeanour charge of criminal mischief, accused of ramming his scooter into a car in 2019. Avery told the judge he'd like to move forward by representing himself, at which point his lawyer left the courtroom.

The judge in the case advised Avery against representing himself saying he had no experience in a courtroom. Avery, who wore a black t-shirt and sunglasses during the entire appearance, wouldn't change his mind.

Avery then requested a trial by jury. The sentence for the charge would likely result in a small fine. Avery told the judge the prosecutors had offered him a plea deal, but that would result in taking anger management course, which he was not willing to do. At this point the judge, who had been dealing with another matter for about 20 minutes, appointed a new lawyer for Avery and started considering dates for his trial.

"Your honor, I was told there was going to be a trial today. I flew in from California to attend this trial," said Avery, while again insisting on a jury trial.

The judge told him he is not entitled to one, and that a bench trial, where the judge heard both arguments and made a decision, was what he was getting.

"Jury trial," Avery insisted. "That's where we're having a problem. I don't need to accept a bench trial."

At this point, the judge advised Avery to be back in court May 23rd for his bench trial.

"Your honor, I told you, I live in California," said Avery.

The judge told him to appear in court on that date or a warrant would be issued for his arrest.

Before the case began Thursday, a reporter asked Avery for comment. Avery refused, insulted the reporter and then asked that he be removed from the courtroom.

Source: New York Times

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