An autistic Florida scholar will serve 5 years in jail for beating a highschool worker unconscious final yr. PEOPLE reviews that Brendan Depa assaulted a trainer’s aide on video after she took away his Nintendo Switch.

Details On Autistic Teen’s Assault On Teacher Aide

According to NBC News, 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 Court 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 High School, in line with WKMG.

Per PEOPLE, video proof sees Joan Naydich taking away Brendan’s Nintendo Switch 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.

Teacher’s Aide & Brendan’s Mom Testified In Court

The choose held a sentencing listening to in May however delayed his choice, stating he wanted to listen to from extra witnesses. However, the state argued that Depa ought to serve vital time in jail.

Per WKMG, the lady he attacked additionally spoke in court docket, advocating for jail time.

Naydich testified in court docket that the incident severely impacted her life and psychological well being, explaining that it precipitated her anxiousness and post-traumatic stress dysfunction, per NBC News.

“My life will never be what it was before. Brendan Depa’s actions that day has caused me to lose a job that I had for almost 19 years, lose my financial security, lose my health insurance,” Naydich stated.

A psychologist testified that Brendan acted aggressively and deliberately. However, his attorneys argued that he has a number of identified disabilities and triggers that always 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 habits however warned his college about his triggers.

(*5*) Leann Depa testified.

What’s Next For Brendan Depa?

Judge Terrence Perkins ordered the Department 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 court docket punished him due to his race. She additionally argued that his college didn’t develop a behavioral plan for him.

“I think he needs help. Absolutely. I think he needs help. And I think he needs treatment but I don’t think he needs to be put away in a prison where he’s going to be taken advantage of or harmed,” Leann defined.

Lawyers representing Leann’s household filed a lawsuit in opposition to the district this yr, accusing college officers of neglecting to offer her son with correct help, which they declare contributed to the assault, in line with a criticism obtained by WFTS-TV of Tampa.

WKMG states Brendan Depa will serve 15 years of supervised probation alongside his jail sentence, with necessary remedy for his disabilities included.

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