Tasteless T-shirt irritates judge

Eileen Kelley

Cincinnati Enquirer

July 26, 2010

William Morse has been to court many times on an assortment of charges ranging from felonious assault to drug trafficking.

So when Morse, 28, stood before Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard on Monday for what was to be a non-jury trial for misdemeanor criminal damaging, one would think the accused criminal would have an idea what was acceptable court attire.

At least that's the way Bouchard reasoned.

"Chucky," the evil-come-to-life doll featured in numerous slasher movies, is not proper attire, Bouchard told Morse.

The offending T-shirt was oversized to cover Morse's low-slung jean shorts. The image on the T-shirt was of Chucky holding knives. "Say good-bye to the killer," the shirt read.

"You think this is appropriate court attire?" the judge asked Morse.

Morse mumbled a no and told the judge that he just woke up.

It was nearly 11 a.m. and Bouchard wasn't buying the excuse.

Still, Bouchard asked Morse if that meant he came into court in his pajamas.

Morse again mumbled, "No."

The judge went on to explain to Morse that in a  matter of minutes he could have picked out something more appropriate for court.

"Five minutes,'' the judge said.  Morse mumbled that he understood.

Time will tell.

Because the trial was delayed, Bouchard said that if Morse isn't wearing something more acceptable for his next appearance, he would order him held in contempt of court and send him to jail for a day.