Man filmed punching lawyer in head during Florida court hearing

A defendant has punched a lawyer in a Florida courtroom in an attack which was caught on camera.

William Green, a 27-year-old facing a battery charge, rose out of his seat and punched Julie Chase, an assistant defence lawyer, in the side of her head, during proceedings at Broward County bond court on Wednesday morning.

The courtroom video shows Ms Chase, who was representing another defendant, falling to the floor after being punched.

Police officers immediately detained Mr Green and proceedings at the court were paused as the 27-year-old was removed.

He is facing an additional battery charge following the attack.

Ms Chase was punched seemingly at random. She was taken to hospital where she was treated and later released.

She described the assault as “a bit of a shock.”

“I didn’t expect it, but I’m doing OK,” she told Local 10 news.

Gordon Weekes, Broward County’s chief assistant public defender, questioned why measures had not been taken to prevent the attack.

“I am utterly outraged at the jail’s failure to secure that facility and to make a better decision on how they deal with folks suffering from mental illness,” he said.

All defendants appearing at magistrates hearings in the area will now be handcuffed “effective immediately,” Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said,