Exclusive | Brute who slugged female NYPD cop released after judge lowers bail — and slugs woman in random Times Square attack: police

A Troubling Pattern: The Case of Ernst Delma and the Failures of the Justice System

The story of Ernst Delma, a 41-year-old career criminal with a long history of violent offenses, has once again shaken New York City. Delma, who was previously charged with assaulting a female NYPD officer, was released back onto the streets after a Bronx judge significantly lowered his bail. This decision proved disastrous when Delma allegedly attacked another woman in Times Square, leaving her injured and sparking outrage among law enforcement and the public. This incident not only highlights the dangers of letting violent offenders walk free but also raises deeper questions about the criminal justice system’s ability to protect the community.

A History of Violence and a Troubling Bail Decision

Delma’s criminal record is alarming, with multiple arrests for burglary and assault. In August 2022, he made headlines after being charged with punching a female NYPD officer in the Bronx. The officer, who was attempting to break up a scuffle between Delma and a group of children, was left dazed and bleeding. Despite the severity of the charges, including first-degree aggravated assault on a police officer, Delma’s bail was repeatedly lowered by the court. Initially set at $200,000, it was later reduced to $75,000 by Criminal Court Judge Eugene Bowen. However, it was Bronx Judge Brenda Rivera who made the most controversial decision, lowering Delma’s bail to just $10,000 cash or an $80,000 bond. This meant Delma only needed to pay $8,000 to secure his release. By mid-October, he was back on the streets, free to commit another crime.

Another Victim, Another Assault: The Times Square Attack

Less than a month after his release, Delma struck again. On a Saturday evening in November, he allegedly approached a woman in her 50s in the bustling area of Times Square and punched her in the face without provocation. The attack, described as cowardly and unprovoked, has left the victim physically injured and emotionally traumatized. The woman’s sister spoke out about the incident, describing her sibling as “the nicest person in the city” and expressing outrage over Delma’s actions. “A man who raises his hand to females isn’t a man at all and should be in jail,” she said. Her words echo the sentiments of many New Yorkers who feel that Delma’s release was a failure of the justice system.

Outrage from Law Enforcement and the Community

The attack has also drawn sharp criticism from the NYPD and its union representatives. Patrick Hendry, president of the NYPD’s Police Benevolent Association (PBA), called the incident predictable, given Delma’s history of violence. “Nobody should be surprised that a dangerous repeat offender who attacked a police officer in full uniform would turn around and attack a defenseless New Yorker,” Hendry said. He questioned the decision to release Delma, calling it a clear example of why individuals who assault police officers should remain behind bars. Hendry’s comments reflect a broader frustration within the law enforcement community about the handling of violent offenders and the lack of accountability in the criminal justice system.

The Broader Debate Over Bail Reform and Public Safety

Delma’s case has reignited the debate over bail reform in New York State. Critics argue that the current system, which gives judges discretion in setting bail based on the defendant’s risk of flight rather than the severity of the crime or the potential danger to the community, is failing to protect public safety. They point to Delma’s history of violent offenses and his repeated releases as evidence of a system that prioritizes the rights of criminals over the safety of law-abiding citizens. Supporters of the system, however, argue that judges are bound by state law and must make bail decisions based on individual assessments of risk, not public opinion. A spokesperson for the New York State Office of Court Administration emphasized that judges operate within the bounds of the law, stating, “Judges have discretion in making bail decisions in accordance with the law and based solely on an individualized assessment of a defendant’s risk of flight.”

A Call for Accountability and Reform

As Delma sits in Rikers Island without bail following his latest arrest, the question on everyone’s mind is: How did this happen? The answer lies in a criminal justice system that repeatedly fails to hold violent offenders accountable. Delma’s history of random assaults, including an earlier incident in Midtown Manhattan where he punched another woman, should have been enough to keep him behind bars. Instead, he was given chance after chance, and each time, he proved that he is a threat to the safety of New Yorkers. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability within the justice system and a more nuanced approach to bail reform that prioritizes