BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A judge allegedly challenged a public defender in court on Monday, telling him “I’ll just beat your ass” before punching him in the head during an altercation outside the courtroom, according to WFTV.
According to the report, Judge John Murphy and Assistant Public Defender Andrew Weinstock apparently exchanged words about a case after Weinstock refused to waive a client’s right to a speedy trial.
Editor’s note: The video contains adult language. Viewer discretion advised.
“You know, if I had a rock I would throw it at you right now,” Judge Murphy tells Weinstock during the verbal altercation. “Stop pissing me off. Just sit down.”
The two exchanged words and Judge Murphy allegedly told Weinstock, “If you want to fight, let’s go out back and I’ll just beat your ass.”
Weinstock then says “Let’s go,” and walks out the courtroom.
The two men apparently met in a nearby hallway, an area where there are no cameras, and a fight broke out.
“The attorney said that immediately upon entering the hallway he was grabbed by the collar and began to be struck,” Blaise Trettis, public defender of the 18th Judicial Court, told WFTV. “There was no discussion, no talk, not even time for anything. Just as soon as they’re in the hallway, the attorney was grabbed.”
Trettis told Florida Now Weinstock was struck in the head.
The courtroom camera captured audio of the scuffle. During the fight, one man can be heard screaming “You want to f*** with me?”
Deputies responded to break up the altercation.
The judge returned to the courtroom and finished ruling over court appearances.
Judge Murphy was not charged but could be disciplined, according to the report.
Read more: WFTV
