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Disposition was scheduled in Superior Court today by Judge Samuel T. Tisdale on the case of Charles A. ‘Skerry, 27, ‘of Moores Corner, indicted on two counts , of arson and breaking and, entering with intent to com mit a felony. Skerry, represented by Atty. George J. Hayer, yesterday changed his former pleas of not guilty and admitted the charges. By late morning he had not been sentenced, al though the judge indicated a term in the House of Correc tion’ was forthcorking, to be augmented by psychiatric treat ment there. Earlier this morning, Skerry appeared in District Court and withdrew two appeals entered In December stemming from vio lation, of probation charges. By withdrawing the appeals, he accepted two six month terms in the House of Correction, to be served concurrently. _ Today marked the final day In the, four-week ‘session _of Franklin County Superior Court. Another case slated for today was held over to the,next, sitting because ‘the public defender, Atty. John Murphy of’ North ampton, was ill._The scheduled ‘case was that of Lawrence E. ‘Black of Northampton,’ appeal ing a district court sentence’ on drug charges. ee sue Inthe case“of Robertw sow? alski, 29, who denied an indict ment charging him. With a morals offense, the “defendant Thursday changed his plea to ax reduced charge ,of assault and the judge placed him on probation for two years. Revolution In Law In dismissing jurors at 2 p.m. Thursday, Judge Tisdale, told them he was sorry they had not had an opportunity to serve on more civil or criminal trials. He termed ‘pre-trial procedure in criminal matters as‘revolu tion in the law,’ explaining that the ‘court handled 51 mo tions during its four-week ses sion. “The famous Miranda deci sion and others has completely changed the pre-trial handling of cases,’’ the judge said, adding that the difficulty ‘stems from the U. S. Supreme Court greatly increasing the rights of defend ants while omiting law enforce ment officers and district at torneys. He ‘said. on serious criminal matters it is, almost, guaranteed that ‘the defense will file at least’ 10 motions. Otherwise, he said, ‘a sentenced criminal might feel he was not adequate ly defended and obtain another lawyer to start hew ._proceed ings. _ May Be Sued A. defense; lawyer: is Sworn to: represent his.cvent.in the pert, naglible..WwaL., tha edge . ‘Sala’ and “ty “fie “doesn't he can be sued for carelessness. ‘“There' is no solution as ‘Fk see it. We will continually have difficulty with mixed sessions,”’ the judge said.. He observed ‘that. city courts. have , ,several judges ‘sitting at one time on different civil and criminal,mat ters, while in smaller communi ties,like this one, only; one judge presides. Giving session statistics . the judge informed the jury that six civil cases were impaneled and settled, six settled’ before impaneling, are tried to com pletion and five have been as signed to auditors. Criminal Action In criminal action’ 21 indict ments. were returned by the Grand Jury, four other indict ments were pending and eight felony appeals scheduled. Of these, five appeals were dis posed of (three defendants) and 16 indictments. (nine defend ants). Judge Tisdale also explained why he had declared...a mis trial in’ the only criminal, mat ter to go to a jury, the case of Howard Colby, 22, of _North ampton, charged with rape, ‘A juror on the case, the judge said, had discovered’ that he had been involved in an auto mobile accident, with ‘the de reridant’ and ‘after ' confirming he was the same man by check ing papers at hom, inpocnsed the 4nAgpa...... a 2 “The aeenagar’ ag unwie to proceed with 211 jurors ‘so I had no choice but to declare a mistrial, the judge said.
Newspaper Details
Greenfield Recorder
Greenfield, Massachusetts, US
Fri, Feb 02, 1968
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
Edward H.
USA 02 Aug 2026
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