April 3, 1959
Sheriff Bob Bailey branded a California tourist arrested for driving with expired California plates last Feb. 25, as a “sorehead” attempting to make trouble.
The case of James F. Hamilton, a graphic arts executive, was the subject of a column by Paul V. Coates, columnist for the Los Angeles Mirror News who wrote Hamilton’s “kangaroo court” experience in Texas deserved exposure.
The California tourist, Sheriff Bob Bailey said, was treated with every courtesy by Officer Jack Briggs who arrested him near Anthony, driving his Army surplus panel truck with expired California licenses.
BELLIGERENT
“The man was belligerent when he was taken before Justice of the Peace S.V. Ford, and fined $1 and court costs amounting to $19.50,” Sheriff Bailey said.
The fine was imposed when Hamilton was unable to produce proof he had applied for new tags.
“His case was an open and shut violation of the law. He knew he was absolutely in the wrong when he entered a plea of guilty,” Sheriff Bob Bailey said.
On his return to California, Hamilton wrote a series of letters to local officials condemning the action of the Justice of the Peace.
QUOTES HAMILTON
Coates in his column quotes Hamilton as saying:
“I admitted the charge and explained that I sent a check to Sacramento for the plates before we left on the trip. But I told him I was in the wrong and I’d accept a ticket gladly.”
Coates said Hamilton told him:
“The Justice of the Peace turned out to be a fragrant old-timer, disheveled and unshaven. A real Roy Bean.”
Sheriff Bailey said as far as his department was concerned, Hamilton’s case is closed.
“He pleaded guilty and admitted he was in the wrong,” he explained.
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