Jail term for man assaulting New Caledonia judge in court

Noumea: A man in New Caledonia has been jailed for two years for attacking and injuring the president of the criminal court Thibaud Soubeyran.

The individual had thrown a mobile phone at the judge during Wednesday’s trial of his brother who was given a 20-month sentence for assaulting his partner.

The judge was hit in the face and needed several stitches.

The prosecution had sought a three-year prison term for attacking the judge which observers said was unprecedented in local courts.