GRAPHIC WARNING: This story and video contains adult language and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Things got very heated between a judge and a veteran public defender in a Florida courtroom Monday.
Judge John Murphy is heard on the surveillance camera using an expletive to describe how he will beat up veteran public defender Andrew Weinstock.
“You know, if I had a rock I would throw it at you right now,” Murphy said. “Stop pissing me off. Just sit down.”
WFTV reports that in happened when the judge was pressuring Weinstock to get his client to waive his right to a speedy trial.
“You know I’m the public defender. I have a right to be here and I have a right to stand and represent my client,” Weinstock said inthe video.
“If you want to fight, let’s go out back and I’ll just beat your ass,” Murphy said just before the pair are seen walking out of the courtroom.
Weinstock’s supervisor said the public defender thought they were going to talk it out in the hall, but says the judge threw punches at him.
“The attorney said that immediately upon entering the hallway he was grabbed by the collar and began to be struck,” said Blaise Trettis, public defender of the 18th Judicial Court. “There was no discussion, no talk, not even time for anything. Just as soon as they’re in the hallway, the attorney was grabbed.”
The judge was not arrested, and it does not appear charges will be filed.
However, the public defender’s office said the incident will be reported to the Florida Bar.
