A Las Vegas judge was attacked Wednesday in the middle of a hearing by a defendant who was exasperated at learning of her incarceration and who suddenly jumped over the stage to attack the judge.
The public recording of the proceedings shows Deobra Redden, a man on trial for attempted battery, insulting Judge Mary Kay Holthus then rushing towards her when he understands that she is preparing to send him behind bars.
A few moments earlier, his lawyer had requested a suspended sentence with probation.
“I understand, but I think it is time for him to taste something else,” retorted the judge, referring to the defendant’s already extensive criminal record.
Mr. Redden had previously been convicted of domestic violence and criminal offences, according to local television channel KSNV.
Quite irritated, the accused then threw himself at the judge, escaping a security agent and court staff who tried to intervene. A melee ensued during which he delivered several blows, before being overpowered by several people.
“Judge Holthus had some injuries and her condition is being monitored” medically, a spokeswoman for the Clark County court in Nevada (western United States) told AFP.
An injured agent was “transported to hospital” and his condition is now “stable”, she said.
After this incident, “we are reviewing all our protocols and we will do everything necessary to protect the judiciary, the public and our employees,” she concluded.
