Judge: Inmates must pull up saggy pants

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A total of 61 inmates had to leave a courtroom in Tampa, Fla., so some could change into pants that did not hang low on their bodies, a judge ordered.

Circuit Judge Daniel Perry said during a hearing Wednesday that while all of the inmates on his docket did not have on low-slung pants, all had to return to jail so that the offending few could find pants that properly fit, The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported.

Perry's order came a day after the judge reprimanded another inmate for embracing the fashion trend of loose-fitting saggy pants on men.

"I do not want to see these people in here again with their rear ends hanging out of their pants," a court transcript quoted Perry as saying Tuesday. "We're done."

Defense attorney Rick Terrana recommended to all future inmates appearing before Perry, who rules on probation violation cases, they reconsider their fashion statements before their court dates.

"Walking into court with your pants behind your knees is about the most unfavorable impression you can make," he told the Times. "It's like a slap in the face of the court."