Moment schoolboy’s adoptive mother tears up asking judge for leniency after he attacked teacher

Brendan Depa’s adoptive mother teared up as she asked a judge for leniency towards the teenager as he was sentenced on Tuesday, 6 August, for attacking a teacher’s aide in 2023.

The 18-year-old was recorded on a video beating the staff member at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida .

He pleaded no contest to aggravated battery charges against him in October and was sentenced Tuesday to five years in state prison followed by 15 years of probation.

Leann Depa told a court that her Brendan has “had a hard life”, felt abandoned by his birth and adoptive family, and struggles with autism and behavioural issues.

“I beg you let him come home with me. I want my son back,” she said.