Why Fumo looked such a mess – and more sounds from his re-sentencing hearing

A few people gasped when former State Senator Vince Fumo appeared in court Wednesday for his re-sentencing hearing.  He wore a baggy prison jumpsuit. The pant legs were rolled up to reveal blue slipper-style sneakers. His grey hair and full beard needed a trim.

A few onlookers wondered if it was an act to get sympathy, since his attorneys were asking for a sentencing break for his age and poor health. There was a debate about that at the hearing, which is one of three audio segments I’ve posted here for Fumo-junkies who can’t get enough of his case (it wasn’t technically possible for me to post the whole hearing).

The audio above, top to bottom are:

1.  The discussion of Fumo’s appearance. It begins with prosecutor John Pease, who’s interrupted by Fumo’s attorney Dennis Cogan, who’s interrupted by Judge Ronald Buckwalter. The last voice is Fumo himself explaining his appearance later in the hearing.

2. Judge Buckwalter questioning Fumo about why Philly politicians seem so corrupt, and sharing his own perspective on the subject.

3. Fumo describing the hardships of prison life – a portion of his statement to the judge, which lasted more than an hour.