Judge delays sentencing over ascot

MILWAUKEE , Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A Milwaukee County, Wis., judge delayed a sentencing hearing for three hours after a prosecutor arrived wearing an ascot in lieu of a neck or bow tie.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge William Sosnay said the fashion choice made by veteran prosecutor Warren Zier "borders on contemptuous," after the judge previously warned that only neck and bow ties are appropriate for his court, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported Wednesday.

"This is not about the definition of an ascot or a necktie," Sosnay told a reporter inside the court. "This is an issue which I believe deals with the integrity of the court."

Zier said he has occasionally sported ascots "since the '70s, 1975 or '76."

He said the threat of possible contempt charges will not sway his future fashion decisions.

"I guess we'll deal with that if it gets to that point," Zier said.