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| Inmate Blamed as Courtroom Floods Again |
| By Midland Reporter Telegram |
| Published: 01/03/2003 |
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Just weeks after the last deluge in Midland County Courthouse's 238th Judicial District courtroom, another incident involving apparent inmate mischief from the jail above caused another portion of the newly-replaced ceiling tile to cave in as final repairs and renovations are pending before the Midland County Commissioners' Court. But at least this time, the leak was discovered in a timely manner by Bailiff Ronald Bearden, preventing possible further damage to the disarrayed courtroom. Legal proceedings have been held despite the unsightly concrete flooring that has remained exposed since the carpet was ripped up following a recent major sewer leak that delivered a week-long nauseating stench to the entire fourth floor of the courthouse and caused health concerns. 'The floor looks like an old roller rink and it's a disgrace to Midland county to have a courtroom in this shape,' Bearden said, expressing the frustration felt by many less outspoken people who regularly use the courtroom. Saying the structural integrity had been compromised with all of the moving around during recent incidents, Bearden said he recently condemned one of the benches, which was seen sealed off with yellow crime tape Monday in the rear of the courtroom warning the public not to sit there. 'I was afraid someone might get hurt,' Bearden said. Judge John Hyde, who in recent months has sometimes had to hold court in whatever courtroom might be available, made a decision last month to return to his courtroom even though the appearance may be lacking in traditional judicial decorum. 'It's frustrating is the sentiment most of us on this floor can express,' Hyde said. Midland County facilities management and planning director Dale Little, who was called to the scene over the weekend, said the earlier pipe problems have been repaired and said this leak was due solely by the actions of an inmate. Bearden said the jail was unaware an inmate had flooded the courtroom when he discovered the leak over the weekend. 'I walked into the courtroom and I heard water dripping, and that's when I discovered it,' Bearden said. Attempts to reach Sheriff Gary Painter late Monday were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Bearden said he is hoping county commissioners will expedite action to remedy the problem. 'If the commissioner's courtroom was in this shape, how long do you think it would take?' Bearden said. |
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