VIERA, Fla. (AP) — A central Florida judge accused of punching an assistant public defender during an altercation outside the courtroom has issued a public apology as he prepares to return to the bench after a leave of absence.

Florida Today (http://on.flatoday.com/1qqiUPI) reports that Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy wrote a letter of apology to the county’s residents Sunday. He wrote that his actions on June 2 may have “tarnished the reputation of the entire judiciary.”

Following the incident with Andrew Weinstock, Murphy took a paid leave of absence and received anger management counseling. He’s expected to return to the bench Monday morning.

A court spokeswoman says Murphy will now handle civil cases. He’ll work mainly in his chambers at the Titusville Courthouse unless there’s a trial or hearing involving multiple parties.

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Information from: Florida Today (Melbourne, Fla.), http://www.floridatoday.com

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