A man who attacked a Las Vegas judge on Wednesday had a documented history of mental illness, according to reports.
Deobra Redden, 30, was in court for a sentencing hearing on an assault charge when he dived over a bench and attacked Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
The chaotic scene unfolded when Judge Holthus denied a request for probation.
Holthus said she couldn’t justify giving Redden probation with his violent history.
“I think it’s time he get a taste of something else,” she said before pronouncing a prison sentence.
The 3-time felon shouted “Ah, f*** that b****!” and dived over the judge’s bench.
The judge’s law clerk (wearing dark suit), a bailiff, and several men wrestled Redden off of her. He was dragged out of the courtroom and faces another hearing before a different judge on Thursday, Jan. 4.
According to ABC13 News, Redden is an example of how the court system can fail an inmate with a serious mental illness.
Redden’s attorney explained that Redden has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. An inmate with a serious mental disorder should be sent to a mental hospital until he is stable enough to return to society.
Wearing a Notorious B.I.G. jersey, Redden spoke in a calm manner, explaining to Judge Holthus that he was a changed man and was in a better place mentally. He said he had a good support system at home, and he had just been hired by a Teamster’s union earning $20/hr.
But the judge denied his request for probation, citing his repeat offender status.
A different judge in May ordered Redden to undergo a psychological exam to determine if he was competent to stand trial, records show.
Redden was found not competent and committed to a state mental health facility.
A judge then found Redden competent to stand trial in October.
In the past, mentally ill inmates like Redden would be committed to a mental hospital for years.
But the Democrats refuse to approve funding to reopen mental hospitals. So sick inmates are sent to prison where there psychiatric needs are not met.
Watch the video below. This video contains disturbing scenes. Viewer discretion is advised.
