Convict attacks US judge in court
A convicted criminal attacked and assaulted a Las Vegas judge during a hearing after she refused to grant him bail.
Convicted offender Deobra Delone Redden attacked Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus on Wednesday as she was in the middle of giving a sentence.
The moment Redden sprang up from where he was standing and jumped into the judge’s bench to tackle her was captured in a video uploaded by Reuters on Thursday.
Witnesses told The Independent that a courtroom marshal was hospitalised with a dislocated shoulder and a gushing cut on his forehead after being hurt while attempting to remove the defendant.
The Las Vegas district court in a statement said, “We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant.
“The court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. We are reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public, and our employees.”
Judge Holthus also reportedly sustained injuries from the assault and her condition is currently under observation.
A screenshot of Redden launching over the desk of Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing. Credit: Clark County District Court
The Nevada attorney general’s office expressed their well wishes for Judge Holtus and the court marshal who were injured in the altercation, hoping for a swift recovery.
“Sending our sincerest well wishes to District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus and the marshal injured in her courtroom today. Your dedication to justice and the court are truly commendable,” the statement read.
After being taken into custody, Redden was charged with several new felonies, one of which is violence on a protected person, which includes the judge and court staff.
The defendant in a brawl with court marshals after attacking the judge. Credit: Clark County District Court
According to Daily Mail, Redden was being sentenced for aggravated battery with substantial bodily harm just before he launched his attack.
Redden, a resident of Las Vegas, underwent a mental evaluation and was deemed fit to stand trial.
In November, Redden pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted battery resulting in significant physical harm.
According to state records, Redden has a history of serving time in prison in Nevada for a conviction related to domestic battery, The Independent reports.
With the judge’s determination to ensure his imprisonment and the court marshal’s move to restrain him, Redden defiantly surged forward.
Redden had previously appeared before Judge Holthus on allegations of property destruction, according to documents, as reported by The US Sun.
