Opinion
September 25, 1995
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Kings County (Koch, J.).
Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.
Contrary to the defendant's contention, the defendant's absence from certain off-the-record bench conferences did not deprive him of a meaningful opportunity to participate in the Sandoval hearing (see, People v Yhel, 215 A.D.2d 793; People v Whethers, 212 A.D.2d 820).
The defendant's remaining contention is without merit. Ritter, J.P., Copertino, Joy and Hart, JJ., concur.