Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Hinds County judge ordered an assistant public defender jailed after his client was denied bond.

Media outlets report Christopher Routh was escorted out of the courtroom Wednesday and taken into custody.

Judge Jeff Weill's motion says he found Routh in criminal contempt of court during a hearing for Routh's client Loren Blackwell on a capital murder charge.

The motion states the attorney refused to obey the court's order and willfully disrupted court proceedings.

Hinds County Public Defender Michele Harris says Routh was not disrespectful or disruptive, but was doing his job of representing his client.

Jackson attorney Merrida Coxwell is representing Routh, who was granted bond by the state Supreme Court.

Harris says they plan to appeal the contempt order.

News agencies report Weill couldn't be reached for comment.