Security review after judge attack

The Old Bailey, where the attack happened

An inquiry is being launched into security at the Old Bailey after a senior judge was attacked by a man accused of murdering his partner with a sword.

Ann Goddard QC, 64, was taken to hospital after being punched by the man, who leapt from the dock at the court in London.

Some lawyers have privately expressed concern about security for some time as the numbers of court officials and attendants have been reduced.

One lawyer said: "This attack was waiting to happen."

Judge Goddard was treated for minor head injuries and shock, a spokesman for the Lord Chancellor's office said.

Judge Goddard: Head gashed

She had just adjourned the case at the pre-trial hearing so the man could consult with his legal representatives.

He had been accused of killing his female partner by striking her 44 times and was facing charges of murder or manslaughter.

A barrister in court said: "He vaulted out of the dock and ran straight to the judge. He was so quick no-one could stop him.

"He punched Judge Goddard several times and there was blood all over the place. There were several blows.

"The judge was more worried about the safety of everyone else rather than herself."

Vaulted dock

The detective who reached the judge first, jumped onto the bench and started struggling with the man as he was hitting out at Judge Goddard. He was assisted by a court clerk.

A police officer in court said: "The defendant was sitting in the dock during the 10-minute hearing. There were five male security officers with him.

"He suddenly vaulted over the dock and grabbed a jug of water from the jury bench.

"He threw it 10 feet towards the judge - but luckily it missed her and it smashed against the back wall.

Security is being reviewed

"Everyone thought he was trying to escape and blocked off the exits - but instead, he ran down the side of the court and onto the platform where the judge sits.

"He punched her and I think there were five or six other punches which connected as we grabbed him and were trying to pull him away."

He added: "We don't know what set the man off. The judge had a gash to her left temple.

"It was about one-and-a-half inches long and would probably need stitches."

The Lord Chancellor's Department said in a statement: "The Lord Chancellor is deeply concerned by the incident and has spoken to Judge Goddard.

"No application had been made for the defendant to be handcuffed. No doubt it was assumed that the presence of three Securicor officers would prevent any such incident."

Rape debate

The man, who is in his early 30s and from east London, was later remanded in his absence until Friday in custody to Belmarsh Prison by another judge.

The daughter of a former senior police officer, Judge Goddard has been a familiar figure at the Old Bailey for a number of years - both on the bench and earlier as a barrister.

She was at the centre of a controversy in 1996 when she allowed a rapist to cross-examine his victim for six days.

The high-profile case prompted a debate that led to a change in the law last year to prevent alleged rapists from putting their accusers through such an ordeal.

Legal mind

Educated at Birmingham University and Newnham College, Cambridge, she was quickly recognised for her analytical legal mind.

She is among senior Old Bailey judges tipped to succeed the Common Serjeant of London, Neil Denison, when he retires this year.

She was called to the Bar in 1960 and was made a Recorder 19 years later. She has been a circuit judge since 1993.