An autistic Florida pupil will serve 5 years in jail for beating a highschool worker unconscious final 12 months. PEOPLE stories that Brendan Depa assaulted a trainer’s aide on video after she took away his Nintendo Change.
Particulars On Autistic Teen’s Assault On Instructor Aide
In response to NBC Information, the 18-year-old is identified with autism. He acquired a five-year jail sentence and fifteen years of probation on August 6, per the Seventh Judicial Circuit Courtroom in Flagler County.
In October, Brendan Depa pleaded no contest to aggravated battery costs associated to the February 2023 assault on Joan Naydich at Matanzas Excessive Faculty, in accordance with WKMG.
Per PEOPLE, video proof sees Joan Naydich taking away Brendan’s Nintendo Change earlier than he charged at her, knocking her to the bottom after which punching and kicking her. The footage additionally reveals Naydich going unconscious as Brendan continues to violently assault her.
An arrest report states that Depa stands six toes six inches tall and weighs 270 kilos. He reportedly punched Joan Naydich fifteen occasions.
Instructor’s Aide & Brendan’s Mother Testified In Courtroom
The decide held a sentencing listening to in Could however delayed his determination, stating he wanted to listen to from extra witnesses. Nevertheless, the state argued that Depa ought to serve vital time in jail.
Per WKMG, the girl he attacked additionally spoke in courtroom, advocating for jail time.
Naydich testified in courtroom that the incident severely impacted her life and psychological well being, explaining that it prompted her anxiousness and post-traumatic stress dysfunction, per NBC Information.
“My life won’t ever be what it was earlier than. Brendan Depa’s actions that day has prompted me to lose a job that I had for nearly 19 years, lose my monetary safety, lose my medical insurance,” Naydich stated.
A psychologist testified that Brendan acted aggressively and deliberately. Nevertheless, his attorneys argued that he has a number of recognized disabilities and triggers that usually result in outbursts.
WKMG reported that Brendan’s mom, Leann Depa, took the stand throughout his sentencing and shared statements about her son. Leann defined that Depa has a historical past of violent conduct however warned his college about his triggers.
“I had instructed the varsity that being hungry was a set off, that noise was a set off, that being instructed no was a set off, that being corrected in entrance of different individuals was a set off, and electronics was an enormous set off,” Leann Depa testified.
What’s Subsequent For Brendan Depa?
Decide Terrence Perkins ordered the Division of Corrections to evaluate Brendan Depa’s psychological well being and create a care plan whereas prohibiting him from contacting Naydich.
Brendan’s mom, Leann, criticized his sentencing, claiming the courtroom punished him due to his race. She additionally argued that his college didn’t develop a behavioral plan for him.
“I feel he wants assist. Completely. I feel he wants assist. And I feel he wants remedy however I don’t suppose he must be put away in a jail the place he’s going to be taken benefit of or harmed,” Leann defined.
Attorneys representing Leann’s household filed a lawsuit towards the district this 12 months, accusing college officers of neglecting to supply her son with correct assist, which they declare contributed to the assault, in accordance with a grievance obtained by WFTS-TV of Tampa.
WKMG states Brendan Depa will serve 15 years of supervised probation alongside his jail sentence, with obligatory remedy for his disabilities included.
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