Joseph Wildy let rip and refused to apologise after he had a fit of the giggles with his co-defendants.
However, magistrate Simon Bridge was not so amused by the interruption. He found Wildy in contempt of court and ordered him to be locked up.
After cooling off in the cells, Wildy returned to court 90 minutes later and apologised to the magistrate.
"He was laughing in court, that's why he was found in contempt," said a court spokeswoman.
"It was for interrupting the proceedings by laughing, and then refusing to apologise."
Wildy pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods and was bailed to reappear at a later date at the same court.