HILLSBORO, Texas — A Hubbard man previously sentenced to 60 years in prison for assaulting his elderly grandmother is set to face trial this week after allegedly assaulting his attorney in a courthouse incident that shocked onlookers. Christopher Donte Loud, 39, is charged with aggravated assault on a public servant, a serious first-degree felony that carries enhanced penalties due to his prior conviction for aggravated assault.
Jury selection for Loud’s latest trial is scheduled to commence Monday morning at the Hill County Courthouse Annex, with proceedings overseen by retired Judge Rex Davis. The case is particularly notable due to Loud’s behavior during previous court appearances, where he has garnered attention for disrupting proceedings.
During an earlier trial related to the assault on his grandmother, Loud caused a mistrial while making explosive outbursts. In December 2024, during a subsequent attempt to adjudicate the elder abuse case, he escalated tensions further by unexpectedly striking his attorney, Pat Dohoney, while the attorney was seated at the counsel table. The attack was witnessed by around 80 potential jurors and captured by courtroom surveillance cameras.
The violent incident resulted in severe injuries for Dohoney, causing a fracture to his eye socket that led to permanent loss of vision in one eye. Hill County District Attorney Mark Pratt is expected to present video evidence of the assault as well as testimony from deputies who witnessed the incident during the upcoming trial.
Given Loud’s history of aggression, courtroom security measures were heightened during his previous trial. He was restrained with shackles and an electronic shock device, ensuring that he remained under close watch throughout the proceedings. Although he maintained a semblance of decorum in front of the jury, Loud has previously shouted at judges and confronted attorneys, causing further disruptions.
To manage the court’s atmosphere during Loud’s last trial, Judge Dib Waldrip ordered his restraints to be covered in an effort to minimize any prejudicial perceptions among jurors. Loud was positioned away from the counsel table and constantly surrounded by deputies, underscoring concerns about his behavior.
Should he be found guilty in the assault against Dohoney, Loud could face a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison. Prosecutors are likely to request that any new sentence be served consecutively with the 60-year term he received in April for assaulting his grandmother, adding further gravity to Loud’s already significant legal troubles.