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“You can't. The judge doesn't take statements.” I said, “You tell the judge that Congressman Koch wants to make a statement.” The assistant DA says, “Your Honor, Congressman Koch wants to make a statement.” Says the judge, “By all means.” (laughs)

So I said to the judge, “Your Honor, I don't know why I'm here. I'm crazy to be here. I have to be at a dinner, and the dinner's probably over by now. What is the sense in my taking on a guy like this over a quarter? But he threatens me. And if he does it to me, what does he do to women and children? And this whole park can't be used anymore, and people are so fed up -- and that's why I'm here. I just want you to know.”

“Oh, yes, Congressman, the whole city is like that. It is just awful.” And then he looks in the direction of this defendant and he says, “I want you to know if you ever come into my court again...” I thought, “Ah, the usual. Nothing with nothing.” But then he did something remarkable. He said, “I'm going to fine you $50.” I thought that was not bad. I expected that the defendant would pay it in quarters, but to be fined $50 is not bad for that offense.

The Legal Aid counsel representing him said, “Your Honor, my client is employed and he lives at so-and-so. He's a little short. Could we have time to pay the fine?” Says the judge: “How about three weeks? Says counsel: “That will be fine, Your Honor.”