Judge sentences man to 53 years, then performs his wedding

I hereby sentence you to 53 years in prison. Now, on a lighter note, you may kiss the bride.

Moments after being sentenced to a lengthy prison term, Danne Desbrow, 36, married Destiny Winters, 33. Judge Patricia Cookson presided over both the sentencing and the ceremony, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The kicker: Judge Cookson baked a Bundt cake for the bride and groom.

Desbrow reconnected with Winters during his trial for the murder of Kevin Santos. Desbrow and Winters had attended high school together but lost touch after Winters became pregnant. During the trial, Desbrow proposed and Winters accepted.

Winters told the paper that she asked Cookson if she would perform the ceremony and was pleasantly surprised when the judge agreed.

Desbrow's attorney, Steve Cline, told the Union-Tribune that the wedding took him completely by surprise.

“I didn’t know it was going to happen,” Cline explained to the Union-Tribune. “Obviously, it was an unusual day from start to finish. I mean, I appreciate that she honored the request for them to marry. But, I’ve never seen anything like that.”

The Union-Tribune writes that following the conclusion of the sentencing, the families of Desbrow and Winters were allowed to stay in the courtroom.

Cookson reportedly performed the ceremony, still dressed in her judicial robes. Desbrow remained shackled at his feet, and sheriff's deputies were on hand to monitor the situation.

Via the San Diego Union-Tribune:

A few minutes later, law enforcement escorted Desbrow from the building. The New York Daily News reports that he plans to appeal the sentence.