Give me five minutes with abuse doctor, victim’s father tells court

A FATHER of three of Larry Nassar’s victims has tried to attack the disgraced former sports doctor during a sentencing hearing.

Randall Margraves was tackled by bailiffs as he lunged at Nassar in the courtroom in Michigan, after the judge declined his request for “five minutes” alone with the sex offender in a locked room.

Two of the man’s daughters had just addressed the court, saying they and another sister had been sexually abused by Nassar under the guise of medical treatment. Their father, Randall Margraves, then told the judge he was a “distraught father”.

He looked at Nassar, shook his head and swore at him while speaking at the podium. The judge cautioned Mr Margraves against using profanity. Mr Margraves then asked for “five minutes” alone with Nassar. When the judge said she could not allow that, Mr Margraves asked for one minute. The judge again declined.

The father then lunged at Nassar, who was sitting nearby.

Crying could be heard in the courtroom as Nassar was escorted out. Assistant attorney general Angela Povilaitis told families in the courtroom to “use your words”, not violence.

The incident occurred during the third and final sentencing hearing for Nassar on sexual abuse charges. The charges in this case focus on his work with Twistars, an elite Michigan gymnastics club. The hearing resumed after about 25 minutes.

More than 30 victims have given statements so far. The proceedings are likely to extend into next week.