By C1 Staff
NEW YORK — The Rikers inmate who blindsided a medical intern in April made his first appearance in court.
Inmate Joseph McRae pled not guilty on second degree assault charges, according to the NY Daily News. He was in the courtroom in shackles with mitts over his hands.
The judge approved Bronx ADA Cicely Harris’ request to extend an order of protection, and McRae is being held without bail. He’s due back in court Aug. 4.
McRae is believed to have pummeled medical intern Stephanie Porcelli, 24, in an unprovoked attack on April 16. Video footage shows McRae knocking Porcelli to the floor. She was later reported to have suffered a broken jaw and endured multiple facial fractures.
During the five-minute hearing, McRae whispered to his lawyer and glanced at a distraught woman thought to be his mother. The woman told McRae to call her and declined comment.