Child rapist attacked by fellow inmate during Kentucky sentencing hearing, officials say

A Kentucky inmate is facing a fourth-degree assault charge after he attacked a man being sentenced for child rape in a McCracken County courtroom, authorities said.

According to the Paducah Sun, the incident happened Tuesday as Brendin Rounds, 32, received concurrent 30- and 10-year prison terms for first-degree child rape and sexual abuse. Rounds recently pleaded guilty to the charges after authorities said he had raped a girl for two years.

During the hearing, another inmate in the courtroom, Bruce Tunnell, began striking Rounds, the Sun reported. Tunnell, who was handcuffed at the time, also threatened Rounds, saying he'd "make sure" Rounds was sexually assaulted in prison, authorities said.

Earlier in the day, Tunnell had been sentenced in connection with a 2018 police chase, as well as bail-jumping and burglary cases, according to the Sun. Officials do not believe he had any connection to Rounds or the child, the newspaper reported.