Courtroom Attacker Gets Four Years in Prison

Deobra Delone Redden, who attacked a Las Vegas judge last week, was sentenced to up to four years in prison in an unrelated case.

A Las Vegas judge who was attacked in her courtroom last week by a defendant sentenced her assailant on Monday to up to four years in prison in an unrelated case. Deobra Delone Redden, the attacker, had leaped over the bench and assaulted Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a court session, attempting to convince the judge of his efforts to turn his life around despite a violent past.

Unrelated Baseball Bat Attack

The sentence handed down on Monday was not related to the courtroom attack but stemmed from a separate incident involving a baseball bat attack on an individual last year. Redden appeared in court wearing shackles, a face mask, and orange mitts, accompanied by a group of jail officers. His lawyer, Caesar Almase, declined to comment outside the courtroom.

Courtroom Attack

In the courtroom attack last week, Redden had to be forcibly removed from the judge by multiple court and jail officers, as well as courtroom staff members, some of whom were seen throwing punches. A courtroom marshal was hospitalized with a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder.

Attacker's Outburst

Redden launched himself at the judge after pleading for leniency and describing himself as someone who never gives up trying to do the right thing, no matter the difficulty. When it became evident that Judge Holthus was going to sentence him to prison, Redden began yelling profanities and charged forward, causing panic among the courtroom audience.

Leaping Over the Bench

Redden vaulted over a defense table, dove over the judge's bench, and landed on top of Judge Holthus. A video of the incident showed the judge falling back against a wall, with an American flag toppling over them. Jerry Wiese, the court's chief judge, described Redden's actions as "supermanning over the judicial bench."

Judge's Injuries and Return to Work

Judge Holthus sustained injuries from the attack but returned to work the following day. Chief Judge Wiese commended court clerk Michael Lasso for his quick response in protecting the judge, crediting him as the primary person who pulled Redden off Judge Holthus and likely prevented more severe injuries.

The sentencing of Deobra Delone Redden to up to four years in prison highlights the serious consequences of violent behavior in a courtroom setting. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining order and safety within the judicial system, and the bravery of court personnel who acted swiftly to protect the judge and ensure her safety.