Crayons In The Courtroom?

This is the story.

RENO, NV - Security was tight as 53-year-old Bruce Birch entered the courtroom Wednesday afternoon. Thoughts of the fictitious character Hannibal Lecter came to mind. His face is covered with a screen so that if he decided to spit at his attorney, Bruce Lindsay, he will not hit his mark.

"My relationship with him isn't the best. But I'm here and I'm asking you please I want a fair trial and I think everyone of you wants a fair trial," Lindsay said.

Those were his remarks to the jury during opening arguments. His finger is clearly bandaged after witnesses say his client stabbed him with a pencil during court yesterday. Today, Birch is facing a possession of a stolen vehicle charge. Shackled, it was tough for him to communicate with his attorney. The court had assigned Birch a crayon and paper with which to write. Late this afternoon the judge was already discussing jury instructions with the prosecution and defense. Birch had no problem complaining about his attorney's performance in court today, and was ready to share his thoughts with Judge Patrick Flanagan.

"Mr. Lindsay doesn't know what the word object is. How much worse can it get than it already is," said Birch out of the presence of the jury.

Birch faces more than a dozen charges related to burglary and possession of stolen goods. But because of his confrontations with his attorney he also faces additional charges of unlawful acts related to human excrement and battery by a prisoner.

His burglary case could go to the jury as early as tomorrow.

A burglar now sits in full irons, and a Hannibal Lector style face mask, with only a crayon to write with, on charges of not only burglary, and battery, but of "unlawful acts related to human excrement".

Other people's children frighten me.