Old Bailey's woman judge retires

Judge Ann Goddard returned to work two days after the attack

The only woman judge at the Old Bailey has retired after presiding in the court for 15 years.

During her time at the top court 72-year-old Judge Ann Goddard gave decisions in many high profile cases.

She was also the only judge who was attacked by a defendant. In 2001 a mentally ill man, Paul Horgan, punched her during a preliminary hearing.

The judge, who suffered a cut to the head and a black eye, returned to work two days after the attack.

'Courage and determination'

Paul Horgan, who admitted killing his girlfriend, was sent to a secure hospital.

Following the attack security glass was fitted to the docks.

Paying tribute to her, the recorder of London, Judge Peter Beaumont, said: "Let none of us forget the courage and determination she showed in the face of the assault she suffered in her court.

"When she returned to work two days later with a black eye, her complaint was not of her injury but of her concern that she had become the subject of media attention."