A Nevada judge was attacked by a defendant who leapt over the judge’s bench before landing on top of her.
The astonishing incident sparked a bloody brawl involving court staff.
The defendant, Deobra Delone Redden, 30, was wrestled to the floor behind the judge’s bench by several court and jail officers and courtroom staff members – including some who were seen throwing punches.
During the incident, Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus fell back from her seat against a wall and suffered some injuries.
However, she did not need to be taken to hospital, court officials said.
Moments after the attack. Pic: AP
A court official was also injured as he came to the judge’s aid and was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining a gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder, according to officials and witnesses.
Moments before the attack, Redden – who was initially in court after pleading guilty to an attempted assault charge – asked the judge for leniency while describing himself as “a person who never stops trying to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is”.
“I’m not a rebellious person,” he told the judge, later adding that he did not think he should be sent to prison.
“But if it’s appropriate for you, then you have to do what you have to do,” he added.
Deobra Delone Redden, 30, asked the judge for leniency moments before the attack on a Las Vegas judge. Pic: AP
As the judge made it clear she intended to put him behind bars, and the court officer moved to handcuff him, Redden yelled expletives and charged forward.
The incident took place at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Redden was arrested and jailed at the Clark County Detention Center.
Records show he faces multiple new charges, including battery on a protected person – referring to the judge and court officers.
Redden was initially in court over allegations he attacked a person with a baseball bat last year.
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He was evaluated and found mentally competent to stand trial before pleading guilty in November to a reduced charge of attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm.
Redden’s defence lawyer, Caesar Almase, did not respond to later telephone and email messages seeking comment from the Associated Press (AP).
In a statement, court spokesperson Mary Ann Price said officials were “reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public and our employees”.
