Filming a courtroom drama ended with Shepherd Chidongo getting a close-up of the justice system.
He was arrested and put in the cells after being spotted making a movie of a friend's appearance before city magistrates.
After 90 minutes under lock and key, he was brought into the dock of Court One, only feet from the public gallery where he had filmed.
Chidongo, 41, admitted contempt of court. Because of the time he had spent in the cells, he was then released.
The three magistrates heard that he immediately deleted the mobile phone footage when challenged and was "very apologetic."
Presiding magistrate Sara Pye told him: "You are now very well aware of the consequences of filming in court.
"Rules and signs are in place and they are there for a good reason.
"But we accept your apology and take the view that the time spent in the cells is sufficient," she told Chidongo of Hollins Court.
Stephen Burdon, mitigating, said that Chidongo had come to court to support a friend who was facing charges.
"His friend was extremely nervous about what the outcome would be. The only reason he wanted to film his friend was to reassure him that, although he was nervous, he didn't want to look it in court.
"He planned to show him the footage later. He is extremely sorry and apologetic for what he has done," said Mr Burdon.
The magistrates questioned whether the footage had been uploaded into the cloud. But father-of-two Chidongo assured them that had not happened and the film has gone forever.
Mr Burdon added: "The reason behind all this is not a sinister one.
"The reason is that he was supporting his friend. The court would normally commend people for doing that."
