Charges Dropped Against Man Who Crossed Road Too Slowly

  • 11 years ago
33-year-old James Claassen landed in court after he walked across a road. Specifically, he had been charged with taking too long to cross the street but thankfully the prosecutors withdrew the charge.

It’s ridiculous what some people can get into legal trouble over.

One magistrate in Adelaide, Australia is seemingly putting her foot down when it comes to petty charges.

33-year-old James Claassen landed in court after he walked across a road. Specifically, he had been charged with taking too long to cross the street.

The fine for the offense was a little over $40. The incident occurred last year in March, but the case was just recently presented to Adelaide Magistrate Sue O'Connor.

She definitely wasn’t happy. O'Connor questioned police prosecutors sarcastically inquiring “What is this heinous crime? Was he doing the cha cha? Cha cha cha-ing? One foot in, one foot out? Now that's an offence.”

O'Connor asked prosecutors to take a second look at the offense and decide if it was really worth pursuing. After a brief recess, the legal authorities returned and agreed to withdraw the charge.

O’Connor apologized on behalf of police for essentially wasting Claassen’s time.