Gotti jury gets sweet treat from judge

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The New York judge presiding over the trial of reputed mobster John "Junior" Gotti said he gave jurors a tub of licorice to limit talk about the case.

U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel said in addition to offering jurors a sweet treat during the ongoing racketeering trial, the tub of individually-wrapped licorice ensured his goal of keeping details of the case under wraps, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

"If you have a Twizzler in your mouth, you can't really have a serious conversation," the Manhattan judge said.

Castel also offered one approach to consuming the sweet goods that could also help jurors deal with the pressures of the lengthy trial, which is in its seventh week.

"You can rip it. You can chew it. If you're frustrated, you've got something to take your frustration out on," he said.

The Post said Gotti, 45, is facing his fourth trial on racketeering charges after his previous three court visits ended with hung juries.