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Former Gillman teacher refuses to leave prison cell before trial begins

Former Gilman teacher refuses to leave prison cell before child pornography trial

Former Gilman teacher Christopher Bendann refused to appear in court on the first day of his federal child pornography trial. According to 11 News reporter Kate Amara, U.S. Marshals went to Bendann's cell to pick him up for his court date and he refused to go. “He refused to accompany them and come to court. Case law dictates that a defendant must be present at least at the beginning of the proceedings,” said Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar. Bendann's attorney, Gary Proctor, asked the court not to forcibly remove his client from his cell and asked last week to evaluate him for suicidal thoughts. At 10 a.m., Judge Bredar ordered U.S. Marshals to bring the defendant into the courtroom so jury deliberations could begin. Court then adjourned for an hour while waiting for Bendann to arrive. This story will be updated.

BALTIMORE —

Former Gilman teacher Christopher Bendann refused to appear in court on the first day of his federal trial on child pornography charges.

According to 11 News reporter Kate Amara, U.S. Marshals went to Bendann's cell to pick him up for his court date, but he refused to go.

“He refused to accompany her to the courthouse. Case law requires that a defendant be present at least at the beginning of the trial,” said Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar.

Bendann's attorney, Gary Proctor, asked the court not to forcibly remove his client from his cell and last week called for him to be evaluated for suicidal thoughts.

At 10 a.m., Judge Bredar ordered the U.S. Marshals to bring the defendant into the courtroom so that jury deliberations could begin. The trial was then adjourned for an hour while awaiting Bendann's arrival.

This story will be updated.

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