JUDGE ATTACKED IN COURT

JUDGE ATTACKED IN COURT

Prisoner beats up woman judge at the Old Bailey

By Sue Clough,

Courts Correspondent

DAILY TELEGRAPH online 19/06/2001

A WOMAN judge was left shocked and bleeding on the courtroom floor at the Old Bailey yesterday after a man accused of murder leapt from the dock and attacked her.
Judge Ann Goddard needed five stitches after being punched repeatedly in the head and face before police, lawyers and court officials overpowered the stockily-built prisoner. Judge Goddard, whose legal documents were spattered by blood, was given first aid by the court matron before being taken to University College Hospital, central London.
The attack on Judge Goddard, who will be 65 later this month and is the only permanent woman judge at the Old Bailey, highlighted lawyers' concerns about what they regard as reduced security. Last night, the Lord Chancellor's department said that she had been discharged from hospital "in good spirits" after treatment for minor head and facial injuries and shock.
A colleague at the Old Bailey said: "She telephoned us to say she had five stitches and she'll be back on Wednesday sitting in court as normal. She told us she was shocked but is now comfortable." The Lord Chancellor's Department said that there would be an immediate inquiry by court officers and the prison escort service Securicor. It would include a review of security.
"This attack was waiting to happen," said one senior lawyer, reflecting concern over reductions in the numbers of court officials and attendants. The Bar Council said the attack was "appalling" and called for special measures to protect judges.