Injured judge returns to work

Ann Goddard arrives back at work

A judge punched repeatedly in the face by a defendant at the Old Bailey returned to work on Wednesday.

Ann Goddard QC, 64, was hearing a murder case - in the same courtroom where she was attacked.

On Monday, she was presiding over the trial of a man accused of stabbing his partner to death with a sword when the defendant leapt out of the dock and assaulted her.

Despite the serious bruising still visible on her face, Judge Goddard was determined to return to work as soon as possible.

We hope Your Ladyship is making a good recovery

Edward Rees QC

She is back in her regular courtroom, Court 11, at the Old Bailey to hear the case of an 18-year-old charged with killing a man during a heist on a jeweller's shop.

She was welcomed back by barrister Edward Rees QC, who said: "May I briefly and sincerely pass on behalf of the Bar, our regrets about recent events.

"We hope Your Ladyship is making a good recovery."

Judge Goddard thanked him, adding: "I have received many messages of support which have touched me greatly."

The defendant who attacked her vaulted over the dock and grabbed a jug of water from the jury bench.

Judge Goddard is highly respected

He threw it at Judge Goddard but missed and it smashed against the back wall.

A police officer in court said: "Everyone thought he was trying to escape and blocked off the exits - but instead, he ran down the side of the court and on to 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."

A man arrested after Monday's incident remains on remand at Belmarsh Prison.

He is due back in court on Friday.

The Lord Chancellor's Department has launched an inquiry into the incident.