Defendants come and defendants go. No pomp and circumstance; usually just quiet tragedies of varying proportions.

However, every once in a while, a defendant lands in court who raises the eyebrows and interest of even the most cynical bailiff or seasoned prosecutor.

Perhaps a Mohawk or a maniacal facial tattoo, but the granddaddy of all the attention-grabbers is the ensemble worn by tonight's defendant: a hospital gown coupled with a pair of grimy grey boxer shorts.

His lawyer explains: "My client came here directly from the hospital."

He assaulted an individual on the subway platform, and when that assault concluded, he began assaulting the assaulted's friend. He struck both individuals repeatedly in the head. He also tried to maneuver them onto the tracks.

Police down the platform ran to the scene and were greeted by the same
treatment: fists to the head and furious hostility.

The defendant sustained an injury or two in the attack and insisted on being treated at the hospital.

Once in the safe hands of the medical community, the defendant explained his real problem, which his attorney now explains to the court:

"He has a kidney enzyme problem and whatever it is, it makes you do things you would not normally do. Whatever that enzyme count was, it was low, but now it is high again and his system is cleansed."

The man in the hospital gown smiles at the judge.

His attorney continues, "Now that his medical situation is straightened out, your honor, I request releasing my client on his own recognizance"

The defendant is currently on parole for drug sales, and the charges of multiple assaults and resisting arrest sufficiently impress the judge.

Her ruling: $25,000 bail and state-issued denims.