Duniek Christian appears, without duct tape, for court hearing

YOUNGSTOWN — He was once told duct tape could be placed over his mouth, but a much more subdued Duniek Christian appeared in Youngstown Municipal Court for a hearing.

Christian, 26, of North Garland Avenue, was scheduled for trial today before Judge Elizabeth Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court on charges of failure to reinstate his license and obstruction of official business. Atty. Mark Lavelle, representing Christian, asked the court to schedule a jury trial and the case was rescheduled to Feb. 16.

Christian’s last appearance before Judge Kobly did not go so smoothly. He was before the judge earlier this month when he reportedly began acting disorderly in the court.

Judge Kobly found him in contempt of court and sentenced him to 30 days in jail for each time he was considered disorderly or disrespectful to the court. By the time the judge had him removed from the court, Christian had been sentenced to 230 days in jail for contempt.

According to police reports, the judge also said she would have Christian’s mouth duct taped shut if he could not behave himself in her court.

Christian appeared wearing the Mahoning County jail-issued orange jumpsuit with hand and leg shackles, but there was no mention of duct tape. He answered the judge’s questions, received his next court date and was led out of the courtroom.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com