Judge attacked at a high-security trial building Old Bailey

A woman judge needed hospital treatment after being attacked at the Old Bailey. An inquiry has begun after Judge Ann Goddard QC, 64, suffered a "heavily bleeding gash" when punched several times by 6ft tall defendant Paul Horgan, in court accused of killing his partner. He also threw a carafe of water at the judge, who was treated for minor injuries and shock, Sky news reports. The Old Bailey is a high-security building but the attack has raised serious questions over court safety. One senior lawyer said: "This attack was waiting to happen." The assault began when Horgan vaulted the dock and leapt past lawyers. 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." Horgan, who did not speak throughout, was eventually overpowered by a police detective.