folo

Patsy Brumfield’s just out with stories on Dickie Scruggs’s and Sid Backstrom’s sentencings.

The one on Dickie says, “The giant-slayer of corporate tobacco and the asbestos industry spoke humbly when asked if he had anything to say.”

Friday, Scruggs’ words and physical carriage were far different from when he pleaded guilty three months ago. Then, he stood somewhat defiantly erect before Biggers and had difficulty admitting aloud his level of involvement in the bribery scheme.

Then, he described his participation as “coming in” late in the scheme.

Biggers also seemed more sympathetic Friday, although in no way tolerant of what had been done.

That contrasted sharply with his stern, cutting-no-slack demeanor during the case’s numerous proceedings since the November indictment.

“Best of luck to you,” Biggers said as parting words to Scruggs, who soon will be disbarred.

Also:

Among those at Friday’s sentencing were two people closely involved with Wilson v. Scruggs – plaintiff W. Robert Wilson and his lead attorney, Charlie Merkel of Clarksdale.

Wilson declined to comment afterward.

Said Merkel: “I feel absolute sadness,” referring to the proceedings he’d just witnessed.

He also expressed concerns for the Mississippi legal profession, especially plaintiffs’ lawyers, who have been tarnished by the Scruggs conspiracy.

“He was the poster child for tort reform,” Merkel observed.

Maybe now, with this sentence, some confidence can be restored to the profession, he added.

He also said Wilson v. Scruggs is alive and well in the Circuit Court of Hinds County presided over by Special Judge Billy Bridges.

Wilson v. Scruggs may be alive in Hinds County, but with Judge Billy Bridges presiding, can we be sure it’s well?

The story on Sid stresses remorse and regret.

Backstrom, the father of three, offered his apologies to the court, his family and The Bar.

He spoke from a brief prepared statement about his “profound sorrow” about what he had done and the situation he had made for himself and others. At times, his voice was filled with such emotion that he could barely be heard by the audience. A few times, he had to stop and catch his breath, then resume his remarks.

Backstrom’s attorney, Frank Trapp of Jackson, requested and Biggers agreed to recommend his incarceration in a Forest City, Ark., federal facility, which Trapp said would be more convenient for travel by his family, who have relatives in Arkansas.

“I have great sadness about this case,” Trapp told Biggers.

He also said it sends a message to young lawyers “to forever remain vigilant, no matter what … to remain true to their oath of office.”

Oxford attorney Rhea Tannehill, a friend who also represented Backstrom, stood beside him as they faced Biggers.

“As long as I live, I will never forget the day I met in the government’s office and they told me the facts of this case involving my brother, my friend, Sid Backstrom,” Tannehill recounted before his client was sentenced.

“He is truly remorseful,” Tannehill added.

The judge noted he had not seen enough remorse from Backstrom’s co-defendants, not naming them specifically.

Biggers scoffed when Tannehill suggested Backstrom might not have gotten involved with the bribery scheme if he hadn’t had so many responsibilities to his family and others.

He also chided Backstrom for not cooperating more fully with the government about what he knew, although Trapp said, “I think we’ve done everything we’ve been asked to do.”

You know, maybe it didn’t come off that way in person, but on paper or screen, that note Trapp sounded seems pretty unharmonic with the rest, doesn’t it?

Y’all who were there, here’s another question for you: When Judge Biggers addressed the costs of incarceration and non-wastage of taxpayer money on them — was he looking straight at Khayat?