NORWICH— A Norwich man represented himself in a non-jury trial for disorderly conduct, a convicted felon was sentenced to jail for assault and two others’ sentences were adjourned for contemplation of dismissal in Norwich City Court on Jan. 8.

• Robert Gallo, Jr., 32, Norwich, was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly fighting or engaging in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior.

Gallo had a non-jury, trial by judge before Judge James E. Downey on Jan. 8.

After Gallo approaching Downey without a lawyer by his side, Downey asked Gallo where his attorney was.

“I am my lawyer, sir,” said Gallo.

“What? Did you go to law school?” said Downey.

“No, I read a book,” said Gallo. “Street Law. That's what it was called.”

Gallo said he had talked to Second Assistant District Attorney Thomas Bowen and had come to an agreement with him. He said he would be entering a plea of guilty.

When Downey asked Gallo what the agreement was, Gallo said, “A fine set by you, sir.”

Bowen said he told Gallo he would recommend a fine as the sentence for pleading guilty to disorderly conduct, but that he told Gallo sentencing is ultimately up to Downey.

Downey asked Bowen about the case, and Bowen said Gallo allegedly was in a fight with another person, which NPD Officer Carpenter witnessed.

“You've got a lousy record,” said Downey to Gallo.

Regarding the fight, Gallo said to Downey, “I was hit with a rock, sir.”

Downey said the other person involved in the fight, has his side of the story and Gallo has his. “Neither of you have a great record. I don't want to be chasing after you for my money,” said Downey.

Gallo said he has never not paid a fine and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

He was sentenced to pay a $250 fine with a surcharge within 30 days. A full order of protection was issued for the other party.

• Byron Archer, 27, Norwich, was charged with and had previously pleaded guilty to assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor.

Archer said he pleaded guilty and will go to jail since he “broke the law,” but that he was defending his girlfriend when he committed the crime of assault.

“Aren't you a married man?” said Downey to Archer in the middle of his statement.

“Yes, I am.” said Archer to Downey, before continuing his statement.

“You said I struck him in the back in the head, but I approached him from the front in order to protect my girlfriend from being harassed. He had previously sexually assaulted her and he was harassing her, saying he was going to do it again,” said Archer.

“He came at me, and I hit him with a broom, because it was the closest thing within my reach,” added Archer.