Judge leaps from bench to restrain defendant

JACKSON, Mich. -- Dramatic new video shows a Michigan judge leaping from his spot on the bench to help restrain a defendant.

The suspect was in court last December for allegedly violating a protection order, but he wound up with jail time after he caused a disturbance.

Officials say the man was being disrespectful in court and fighting with an officer who was trying to handcuff him.

Judge McBain: "You know what? I told you to leave her alone, and apparently that didn't get through loud and clear, so today, you're going to jail for three days."

Defendant: "You and her are buddy-buddy. You all get along. You all..."

Judge McBain: "45 days county jail!"

Defendant: "Bulls***" (expletive)

Judge McBain: "93 days in the county jail. Do you want to go for a year? Try right now! One more word out of you, it'll be a year in county." //

Judge McBain: "You're going to jail for a year in a county. 365 days in county jail."

At that point, the defendant got up. Judge John McBain of Jackson County Circuit Court ripped off his robe and pounced on the defendant.

Officer: "Put your hands behind your back."

Judge McBain: "Tase his a** (expletive) right now!"

Judge McBain - who is known for his tough words in the courtroom - said he has no regrets.

"I would hope any other judge would say, if my court officer is in trouble, I am going to go down there and do what I can," Judge McBain said.

The county's chief circuit court judge said McBain acted within reason, saying: "A judge has the power to take whatever action is necessary to maintain order in the courtroom."