Family Court judge attacked during proceedings in Milton Keynes

A family court judge is recovering at home after he was attacked in Milton Keynes County Court during a hearing.

The Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) has called for “robust and proper security for all court users”, noting that it is currently rare to have security in court.

A judicial spokesperson said the judge is “being supported by leadership judges, and has been offered access to counselling, contact with specialist welfare judges, and professional support services.”

Other judges who were present in the court have also been offered support, the judiciary revealed.

The FLBA said: “The members of the Family Bar depreciate any attacks on the judiciary and sadly form the view that this highlights the risks arising from the subject matter of and within some of the work undertaken by both members of the judiciary and those who advocate and attend family courts.

“The family justice system engages with families in some of the most difficult aspects of their lives. Child protection matters and cases where the issues include allegations of very serious conduct, violence, marital rape, sexual abuse and domestic abuse are all too common issues within the range of proceedings advocates and the judiciary have to manage.

“This means that some of the parties to cases may be those who, in due course, are found, following a fair hearing, to have acted in very serious ways to their partners and or their children.”

The man is to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.

A His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson said: “This event was shocking and we have remained in contact with the Judge throughout.

“While incidents like this are rare, we take the safety of our judges and court staff very seriously and are urgently reviewing the circumstances”.

The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson