An American judge was attacked in the middle of a hearing by a defendant unhappy with his sanction. Las Vegas judge Mary Kay Holthus presided over a hearing where Debora Redden, a man accused of attempted battery, was on trial.
Like many trials in the United States, the hearing was filmed. On the public recording of the proceedings, we can see the defendant’s lawyer requesting a suspended sentence with probation for his client. But the judge who had mentioned Debora Redden’s already full record did not seem of this opinion. The man had previously been convicted of domestic violence and burglary, according to local television channel KSNV.
Exasperated to learn of his incarceration, the defendant then insults the judge before throwing himself at her while escaping a security agent. A melee ensued during which he delivered numerous blows, before being overpowered by several people.
Court officer injured
“Judge Holthus had some injuries and her condition is under medical monitoring,” a spokeswoman for the Clark County court in Nevada told AFP. An officer was injured and “taken to hospital”. His condition is now “stable”, according to the spokesperson.
The court still announced that all protocols would be reviewed to protect the judiciary, the public and their employees.