PEOPLE v. LOWMACK (2005)

Defendant appeals from a judgment convicting him after a jury trial of, inter alia, robbery in the second degree (Penal Law § 160.10[1] ).   Contrary to defendant's contention, the verdict is not against the weight of the evidence (see generally People v. Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d 490, 495, 515 N.Y.S.2d 761, 508 N.E.2d 672).   We reject defendant's contention that the jury failed to give the evidence the weight it should be accorded, and we conclude that “ ‘the evidence is of such weight and credibility as to convince us that the jury was justified in finding ․ defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt’ ” (People v. Cahill, 2 N.Y.3d 14, 58, 777 N.Y.S.2d 332, 809 N.E.2d 561;  see generally People v. Mateo, 2 N.Y.3d 383, 410, 779 N.Y.S.2d 399, 811 N.E.2d 1053;  Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d at 495, 515 N.Y.S.2d 761, 508 N.E.2d 672).

 Contrary to the further contention of defendant, Supreme Court set forth on the record the basis for its decision that defendant be restrained during the trial.   The record establishes that the court stated that the basis for its decision was to ensure the safety of the persons in the courtroom inasmuch as defendant had been involved in an altercation with deputies at the jail during the previous day (see People v. Rouse, 79 N.Y.2d 934, 935, 582 N.Y.S.2d 986, 591 N.E.2d 1172).   Defendant failed to object to the court's curative instruction with respect to the restraints and therefore failed to preserve for our review his contention that the court erred in providing a curative instruction despite his request that none be given (see generally People v. Robinson, 88 N.Y.2d 1001, 648 N.Y.S.2d 869, 671 N.E.2d 1266).   Although defendant also failed to preserve for our review his contention that the court in its curative instruction misrepresented the basis for its decision to restrain defendant during the trial, we note that we agree with defendant that the court erred in stating that defendant was restrained because of his behavior in the courtroom.   We conclude, however, that the error is harmless (see generally People v. Kello, 96 N.Y.2d 740, 744, 723 N.Y.S.2d 111, 746 N.E.2d 166;  People v. Crimmins, 36 N.Y.2d 230, 241-242, 367 N.Y.S.2d 213, 326 N.E.2d 787).   Contrary to defendant's further contention, the sentence is not unduly harsh or severe.   We have reviewed defendant's remaining contentions and conclude that they are without merit.

It is hereby ORDERED that the judgment so appealed from be and the same hereby is unanimously affirmed.

MEMORANDUM: