A MAN who told a judge to "Do your f***ing paperwork geezer" has not been punished for his remarks after he apologised in court.

Mark Rawson was brought to Bradford Crown Court from his cell at HMP Leeds, in Armley, the day after he swore at the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, over a video link as he waited to find out a trial date for grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving charges.

The 26-year-old, of Bierley Lane, Bradford, was held in contempt of court for the outburst and was brought to court to explain himself.

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His barrister, Jeremy Charles Barton, told the court his client had been upset about a witness statement and, after learning what had been said before the hearing, "carried that emotion with him" into court.

Judge Durham Hall said Rawson's behaviour had been the "third or fourth" time the court had been abused by defendants and he wanted to make it clear that hearings carried out from prison should be taken seriously.

Addressing the court, he said: "Mr Rawson seemed to lose patience with us, but the exact wording involved a degree of swearing, including good old fashioned English words.

"Maybe the system (of a TV link) puts into thinking that it's not a real court hearing."

He said he took "a very serious view of these contempts", but admitted the remarks may have been made because "the stress and tension upon Mr Rawson is very real."

Mr Barton said Mr Rawson was under a "great deal" of stress and he apologised for what he said.

Mr Rawson added: "Truthfully, I was stressed out.

"I regret saying what I said. It won't happen again."

Judge Durham Hall decided not to punish Mr Rawson and said he hoped the defendant would inform others at HMP Leeds to take video link hearings seriously in future.

He added: "I think you are genuinely sorry and maybe the stress of the moment and seriousness of the offences overwhelmed you.

"I will accept your apology, but you must promise that if you meet me or any other judge you will be cool, calm and collected.

"Let your mates know and you do me a great favour.

"I know you probably don't care how we feel, but it does affect the process, so tell them to behave nicely when they are on TV."