Trial Delayed For Accused Lawyer Puncher

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Authorities have postponed the trial of a Topeka man accused of punching his lawyer during a jury trial.

Lance Franklin is charged with aggravated battery for allegedly punching his lawyer, David McDonald, in the head while McDonald was representing Franklin during Franklin’s 2014 jury trial for rape and other charges.

McDonald was knocked unconscious and loaded onto a gurney as jurors watched. McDonald said he suffered two cuts that required stitches, a broken nose, a concussion and chipped teeth.

Franklin’s trial for battery had been scheduled to start in November in Shawnee County court. But lawyers on Monday agreed to continue the trial to March 14, 2016.

A mistrial was declared in the rape case, which is scheduled for retrial beginning Feb. 22, 2016.

Associated Press information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal