Astonishing moment defendant leaps at judge over court bench in Las Vegas attack

A defendant launched an astonishing attack on a judge, leaping over a court bench and landing on top of her, before becoming embroiled in a mass brawl with staff.

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.

Moments before the attack, Redden, who was in court to be sentenced over a previous attempted assault, urged Clark County District Judge Mary Kay to show lenience, telling her: “I’m not a rebellious person”.

But as she made it clear she intended to put him behind bars, and the court officer moved to handcuff him, Redden yelled expletives, charged forward and leapt over the judge’s bench.

During the incident, Judge 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.

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.

Redden had earlier asked the judge for leniency in her sentencing, 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.

The incident took place at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Redden was arrested and put into custody 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”.