Family court judge benched after punching his wife in the face

A Pennsylvania family court judge has been placed on leave after being accused of physically assaulting members of his own household.

Judge Michael Fanning, 60, who has served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas since 2014, was arrested Monday following allegations that he attacked his wife and 30-year-old daughter at their East Torresdale home, according to reporting from The Philadelphia Inquirer. Authorities say Fanning punched his wife multiple times, threw her to the floor, and strangled her. He also allegedly pulled his daughter to the ground by her hair, causing an injury to her face.

Fanning was released on $200,000 unsecured bail but was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims. An emergency protection-from-abuse order was issued against him, and a bail magistrate warned that any violation of the order or his appearance in court for another domestic violence case could result in his bail being raised to $1 million.

On Thursday, the court suspended Fanning without pay. A spokesperson confirmed to KYW radio that the judge’s access to the courthouse had been restricted and all his cases reassigned.

Fanning has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated assault, two counts each of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, and strangulation. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 25.

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