You're right. I have a suspicion this article may have been written as much to stir up somve criticism about "unqualified" Jeb Bush appointee as out of any concern about the defendent. Bet this reporter is looking for other similar incidents as we speak.
Mistake number three was not recognizing the reporter.
Not realizing there was a reporter in the courtroom, adding to that the ease in which one can get a copy of the tape of the hearing, plus the inexperience of the Judge (and I've seen bonehead moves from inexperienced judges--and some experienced ones--from all over the political spectrum) added up to one big mess for this judge. Now he's going to end up getting reversed by the Court of Appeals (and judges really truly hate that), they're be an order for a new hearing, and a probable investigation by the judicial review board, probably a referral to a remedial judge school....what a mess.