Video: Defendant attacks own lawyer after hearing his sentence

Shocking courtroom video footage shows a convicted domestic abuser knocking his lawyer unconscious after receiving a 45-year prison sentence.

David Chislton pled guilty to aggravated arson, felonious assault, domestic violence and cruelty against a companion animal.

Judge Nancy Margaret Russo had just handed down a 47-year sentence, minus credit for the two years Chilston has already spent in custody, when the 42-year-old launched a surprise “sucker punch” attack on his defence attorney, Aaron Brockler.

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Chislton is seen striking Brockler across the face with his cuffed hands before being subdued by officers, in footage captured on a body camera worn by a sheriff’s deputy.

Brockler was taken to hospital, where he was treated for a broken nose and severe concussion as a result of the punch, WTOL reports.

Eyewitnesses told Cleveland.com that the defendant “was cuffed with his hands in front of him, instead of behind him, as is more customary”, enabling him to strike

Chislton “spurred an hours-long police standoff in 2017 when he pistol-whipped his girlfriend and set his apartment complex on fire after she accused him of sexually abusing a teenage girl”, Cleveland.com reports.

He now faces additional prison time for the brutal assault.

In a statement, administrative judge John T. Russo said that the incident was “unfortunate”.

“We are thankful that Attorney Aaron Brockler was not more seriously injured. We wish him the best in a speedy recovery,” he said.