Drama as judge is attacked during court hearing over the death of Saffron Walden motorcyclist
Judge John Devaux - Credit: Archant
A MAN has been detained after a judge was attacked during a sentencing hearing over the death of a Saffron Walden motorcyclist.
Judge John Devaux had just jailed a defendant in a death by dangerous driving case at Ipswich Crown Court this morning when a man ran from the public gallery into the area where the judge was seated, and started wrestling with him and shouting.
A police spokesman said that a man was “restrained” by officers in Court Two.
She said: “A member of the public in the public gallery assaulted the judge. He has been taken to the cells for contempt of court.”
The drama unfolded shortly after Judge Devaux had sentenced Philip Graham, 30, of Quendon Place, Haverhill, to 30 months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
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Graham, who had denied the charge, was driving along the B1054 last July to catch a train at Audley End when he hit a motorcycle ridden by 37-year-old Derek Foster, who was on his way to work in Haverhill.
Mr Foster, a father-of-two, of Winstanley Road, Saffron Walden, died after suffering multiple injuries.
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The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Sir Edward Greenwell, was sitting next to Judge Devaux when this morning’s incident happened.
Judge Devaux returned to court at around midday as another trial started.
Benjamin Aina QC, prosecuting in the following trial, said: “May we at the bar express our concern at matters which occurred this morning. We are very sorry you had to endure the matters that have been brought to our attention.”
Judge Devaux replied that what happened was “unexpected” and added “you are very kind. We are, I think, all unharmed.”
