13 October 2023 , 23:19
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A Florida teacher who was beaten by a teen after they ordered them to stop playing on his Nintendo has refused to help him lighten his sentence.
Brendan Depa, a 17-year-old student weighing 270 pounds was seen violently assaulting Matanzas High School teacher Joan Naydich in an awful viral video. Naydich could be seen being kicked and punched in the back a number of times before Depa was eventually pulled off her by staff.
The teacher told the autistic teen to stop playing on his Nintendo Switch, leading to the assault. He now faces up to 30 years behind bars for a charge of first-degree aggravated battery, but his former teacher shows "no interest in mitigating what penalties Depa might face," Flagler Live reported.
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Depa reportedly threatened to kill Naydich, a mum of two (Joan Naydich/Facebook)During his arrest, Depa reportedly threatened to kill Naydich. Naydich, meanwhile, denied ever confiscating the Switch despite the initial report of the incident.
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Depa will plead guilty to avoid a trial and he was originally charged as a child, but the charges were upgraded. Judge Terrence Perkins can still choose to sentence Depa as a youth.
"The lack of respect demonstrated by these students is simply shameful... but have consequences," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said.
The teen had three arrests for battery before the incident and got into a fight in jail last month, according to reports. His disability is likely to affect the judge's decision.
Brendan Depa faces up to 30 years (WESH 2)“I’m hopeful that the awareness of this incident being spread far and wide will prevent anyone else from ever dealing with the trauma, physical healing and disruption of everyday life this has caused,” Naydich said on a GoFundMe page. A huge sum of $100,00 was raised for the mum of two.
Set up by her friend, the page description read: "Joan is a mom of two! Her son is a senior and her daughter graduated from Matanzas HS in 2013.
"She's been working two jobs to care for her family. Her heart is huge in all she does for others!
Naydich has 'no interest in mitigating what penalties Depa might face' (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)"Joan is humble, never asks for help and needs our love/support during this difficult time. I've asked her to allow us to do this so that she can rest, heal and spend time with her kids without worrying about financial concerns right now."
An update on September 6 this year said Naydich is now being seen by a specialist after suffering hearing loss "sight concerns, shoulder pain and constant discomfort from the damage to her ribs."
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