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Judge Jerri Collins sentenced a woman to three days in jail for contempt of court after refusing to testify at her abuser’s trial.
Video footage has emerged of the sentencing, which shows Judge Jerri Collins lashing out at the victim as she tearfully tells the court she missed giving her testimony because of her ‘depression’ and ‘anxiety’.
The victim said she was undertaking therapy following the abuse, telling the court: ‘I’m just trying to move on with my life. I’m just not in a good place right now.’
But the judge replied: ‘Violating your court order did not do anything for you. I find you in contempt of court.’
She then sentenced the victim to three days in the county jail, despite having the option to fine her or give her community service.
The victim was due to appear at Seminole County court to testify against her attacker but didn’t turn up.
Her ex-boyfriend is accused of choking and threatening her with a kitchen knife in front of their one-year-old child in April.
According to the footage, the victim’s attacker has a ‘prior criminal history of domestic violence’ but was given a reduced sentence of 16 days in jail because a key witness did not testify.
The video concludes with the woman crying and begging for Judge Collins to reverse her decision.
The victim said: ‘I have a one-year-old son and I’m trying to take care of him by myself. I’m begging you, please, please don’t.’
Agencies/Canadajournal
Now this just left every victim with the wrong message. Now they will not reports crimes at all. Women of abuse need time and this woman’s mental state says it all, she as not ready for more mental abuse from the defense attorney and just wanted to move on. This judge needs to be permanently removed from the bench.