New Port Richey, Florida -- "F-Bombs" in the courtroom are rare and usually end up with the person in jail on contempt charges. However, there is a Pasco Circuit Court Judge who used the f-word in his own courtroom while he was on the bench.
Judge Michael Andrews says it is fair to say he is a tough judge. If there is any doubt, take a look at this conversation between Andrews and a Juvenile in his court.
The judge says, "Go on Maurice. Now is the time to say what's on your mind. Everybody is at fault for what happens to Maurice except Maurice. The lawyer f**ked you today. This is the lawyer screwing you? Who else has screwed you Maurice?"
Andrews says the juvenile starts out cussing, and the judge thought it was his opportunity to reach him.
In the hearing the judge says, "You and I can talk. We can talk. You can say f**k that I will listen."
Although it happened more than seven years ago, the recording has surfaced now that Andrews is in a tough re-election campaign.
According to Andrews, he was trying to make a difference . He says he is not sure if he did, but he tried. When we asked Andrews if that is appropriate language for a judge to use from the bench, he said it is never appropriate to use that kind of language in the courtroom setting.
However, the judge won't back down and defends the use of the language, because he says it was the only way he could reach the young man. Andrews does say he regrets using such strong language from the bench. In fact he says he is remorseful for using the word, but not for what he tried to do.
While those in the legal community who don't like the judge say he doesn't have the right temperament to sit on the bench, Andrews disagrees.
Andrews says he holds people's feet to the fire. He says he shows up early and stays late. The judge says he comes prepared and expects attorneys to be prepared as well. He admits when they aren't, he gets on them and says that upsets some people.
Those who are upset are working to defeat the outspoken tough judge in this year's election.
Mike Deeson, 10 News