The courtroom climate changed between Monday and Wednesday this week in the case of Sarah Forbes, who was convicted Monday of drunken driving after her SUV struck a snowmobile and its passenger last February.

On Monday, when the Farmington woman pleaded guilty to the felony OUI charge after the state dropped a manslaughter charge, there was no security screening.

The walk-through metal detector sat idle on a landing leading to the Franklin County Superior Court. It has for several years been used there and across the street in 12th District Court in Farmington, which doubles as Superior Court usually. The latter detector has been used at least once.

Courtroom security was beefed up Monday about 90 minutes into the session after the family of the dead snowmobiler learned a plea deal would take place.

They were angry.

People entering the courthouse Wednesday intending to go to Forbes’ sentencing found marshals ready with hand-held metal detectors to screen them and their bags.

When asked why this was being done Wednesday and not Monday, one marshal said something had come up.

It was obvious security was tightened.

The victim’s family and friends would leave court angered again Wednesday, this time some members verbally bashing Forbes and the judge, but security controlled the situation.

– Donna M. Perry