The judge in Nevada returned to work the day after being assaulted by the defendant.

A judge in Nevada returned to work the day after being assaulted by a defendant in a battery case. The incident was caught on video, showing the defendant charging towards the judge’s bench and jumping over it in an attempt to evade prison sentencing.

Deobra Redden, the accused, is expected to appear before Judge Mary Kay Holthus in Clark County district court on Monday morning for his rescheduled sentencing. This information was confirmed by Chief Judge Jerry Wiese.

During a press conference on Thursday, Mr. Wiese read a statement from Ms. Holthus, who was pushed back against a wall and had her hair grabbed by the defendant, causing them both to fall and an American flag to topple onto them. Ms. Holthus sustained some injuries and was assessed but did not need to be hospitalized, according to officials at the courthouse.

“She wanted me to thank all of the well-wishers and others who have expressed concern for her and her staff,” Mr Wiese said. “She is extremely grateful for those who took brave action during the attack.”

During a violent altercation, Redden was physically restrained by her law clerk, Michael Lasso, and multiple court and jail officers on Wednesday morning. Some of the officers were observed throwing punches. One of the courtroom marshals sustained a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder and had to be hospitalized. Mr. Lasso also received treatment for cuts on his hands.

Mr Wiese acknowledged Mr Lasso for his swift response, stating that he was the primary individual who intervened and prevented the defendant from causing more serious harm to the judge.

30-year-old Redden was imprisoned with a bail amounting to $54,000 for his involvement in the assault. However, he declined to appear in court for the recent charges on Thursday, prompting the judge to set a new court date for January 9th. According to records, he is being charged with 13 counts, including extortion and using force to coerce. Seven of these counts are battery charges against a protected individual, specifically the judge and the officers who came to assist her.

“It all transpired quickly, making it difficult to determine the appropriate course of action,” stated Richard Scow, the leading district attorney for the county. He was overseeing the case against Redden, who was accused of assaulting an individual with a baseball bat last year.

The prosecuting attorney, Steve Wolfson, stated that the perpetrator has a history of primarily violent crimes and has been convicted of three felonies and nine misdemeanors in the past. He argued that Redden should be detained without the option for bail due to being a serious threat to the community and likely to run away.

According to Wolfson, he has exhibited violent behavior throughout his entire adulthood.

On Wednesday, Caesar Almase, the defense attorney for Redden, refused to provide a statement.

During the sentencing hearing, Redden was not restrained or wearing jail clothing as he had previously been released from custody in exchange for a plea deal. In November, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted battery resulting in significant injuries. According to court records, he was originally charged with assault with a deadly weapon for the baseball bat attack.

On Wednesday, he appeared in court wearing a white shirt and dark pants, standing alongside his lawyer and requesting mercy from the judge. He described himself as someone who never gives up on doing what is right, no matter how difficult it may be.

He stated to the judge that he is not one to defy authority and believes he should not be incarcerated. However, he understands that if the judge deems it necessary, then it must be done.

Shortly after, the judge stated her intention to imprison him and the court officer approached to restrain him and take him into custody, Redden shouted vulgarities and rushed forward. The individuals who had been seated with him in the courtroom, including his foster mother, began to shriek.

According to records, Redden resides in Las Vegas and was deemed mentally capable of standing trial in the battery case. He ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Prior to this, he had already served time in prison in Nevada for a previous conviction of domestic battery.

Ms. Holthus had over 27 years of experience as a prosecutor and had worked in courtrooms before being elected to the state court in 2018.

Source: independent.co.uk