Maine judge tells media what they can and can't report from hearing in lawyer's assault case

A Maine judge ordered the media not to report what witnesses said during an attorney's criminal court appearance.

The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1DebSU4 ) reports Anthony Sineni III, of Standish, was convicted of misdemeanor charges of assault and disorderly conduct Monday as part of a plea agreement.

Judge Jeffrey Moskowitz, at the defendant's request, told reporters at the beginning of Monday's hearing what they could and couldn't report. A Press Herald reporter protested and asked for time to contact legal counsel, but Moskowitz denied the request.

A newspaper attorney, Sigmund Schutz, said the judge's media order was unconstitutional. The newspaper defied it, reporting that Sineni's 34-year-old ex-girlfriend described their 11-year relationship and her claims of domestic abuse.

A spokeswoman for the Maine court system declined to comment.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com