War Machine laughs as ex-girlfriend recounts alleged night of terror

Former mixed martial arts fighter Jonathan "War Machine" Koppenhaver has received a stinging rebuke from a judge for laughing in court as his ex-girlfriend recounted the night he allegedly almost beat her to death.

Koppenhaver, whose legal name is War Machine, was arrested in Los Angeles for attempted murder in August after evading police for a week for allegedly attacking ex-girlfriend and porn star Christy Mack and another man after finding them in bed together.

Ms Mack reportedly suffered 18 broken bones and a ruptured liver in the attack, during which she claims she feared for her life.

Testifying through tears at War Machine's preliminary hearing in a Las Vegas court on Friday, Ms Mack said he was often violent during their year-long relationship, often threatening to kill her and her family and forcing her to have sex with him.

At one point, Judge Melanie Andress-Tobiasson reprimanded War Machine for laughing during Ms Mack's testimony, despite denials by his lawyer.

"I watched him laugh," Judge Andress-Tobaisson said.

The judge said she shuddered to think what could have happened to Ms Mack had she not been able to escape to a neighbour's house to call the police.

War Machine faces life without parole if found guilty.

The next court appearance is scheduled for next Thursday.

Source: 8 News Now