Grandfather of singing court convict: I hope he was sincere

A convicted felon bursts into song just moments before he's about to be sentenced.

But the judge wasn't swayed by his soulful words. Brian Taylor was discovered by police at Peninsular Place Apartments in Ypsilanti holding a gun to the stomach of another man.

Taylor, 21, was convicted of unlawful imprisonment and carrying a concealed weapon. But first a courtroom surprise. Taylor told the judge he wanted to sing an apology.

Taylor adapted his own version of "Hello" by Adele. His song of apology was less than a minute.

Earl Taylor said he was surprised his grandson chose to sing the apology in court.

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"I am still trying to digest that, and how sincere was he when he did it," said Earl Taylor, his grandfather. "I hope he meant it from his heart."

Earl Taylor said he was surprised his grandson chose to sing the apology in court. Brian Taylor asked for a shortened sentence.

An ex-con previously convicted of larceny, Taylor said now he wants to pursue a business degree at Eastern Michigan University. But Washtenaw County Judge Darlene O'Brien said he should take advantage of prison programs to achieve his goals and sentenced Taylor to two years in prison for illegally carrying a concealed weapon and 18 months to 15 years for unlawful imprisonment.

He has a previous conviction for larceny and will also be back in court in Washtenaw County for a new charge of stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent.

"He has done some singing, yes," Earl Taylor said. "He and I have been kind of estranged for the last few months.

"I spent some money and did give me some advice, it didn't take I guess."

So his singing performance in court will not send him to Hollywood, he will instead be headed to the slammer.

Earl Taylor said he hopes his grandson can get his life back on track.