A Florida Supreme Court panel recommended a hefty fine for a Brevard County judge who punched a public defender during a hearing last year.

A judicial qualifications panel ruled that Judge John Murphy violated several "Canons" of judicial conduct.

Murphy got into an argument during a hearing with a former public defender last year. At one point, the two walked out of the courtroom and the public defender, Andrew Weinstock, accused the judge of punching him.

Murphy took a four-week leave of absence and was reassigned to work on civil cases. He also released a letter of apology.

The panel recommended suspending Murphy without pay for 120 days, fining him $50,000 plus the cost of the proceedings and ordering him to continue participating in a mental health therapy program.

They also want Judge Murphy to repeat some judicial education courses at his own expense.

Weinstock has since resigned as a public defender.

The Florida Supreme Court will ultimately decide what punishment Murphy faces.