In a shocking incident at a family court in Milton Keynes, a senior judge was assaulted by a man representing himself in a case being heard by the judge. The details of the attack, which occurred on a Wednesday morning (29/11/23), remain undisclosed, including the nature of the case being heard. Following the assault, the judge required hospital treatment but is now recovering at home, receiving support and counselling from senior colleagues.
The assailant has admitted guilt to three charges: assault causing actual bodily harm, criminal damage, and causing intentional harassment, alarm, or distress. He awaits sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.
This rare but alarming event has raised concerns within the legal community, particularly among the Family Law Bar Association (FLBA), which represents barristers in family proceedings. The FLBA expressed shock at the attack, highlighting the inherent risks faced by legal professionals, including judges and barristers. Hannah Markham, the chair of the FLBA, noted the rarity of such attacks but acknowledged the difficulty in managing individuals in courtrooms, especially given the sensitive and personal nature of family law cases.
Family courts deal with highly intimate and often contentious issues, including child custody, allegations of violence, and domestic abuse. The power of these courts to make life-altering decisions, such as removing children from their birth parents or placing them for adoption, adds to the emotional intensity of the proceedings.
The incident also underscores the increasing number of people representing themselves in private law cases, partly due to cuts in legal aid. Data shows a significant decrease in the number of people with legal representation in these cases over the past decade. The FLBA emphasises the importance of robust security measures in courts to protect all involved, including families, judges, and advocates. However, they note that security presence is often limited in courtrooms and surrounding areas.
The HM Courts and Tribunals Service has described the attack as “shocking” and is conducting an urgent review of the circumstances. The safety of judges and staff is a top priority, and such incidents, while incredibly rare, are taken very seriously. This event has prompted a reevaluation of security protocols in family courts to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
What To Do Now
If you’re considering divorce or separation, family mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective way to resolve disputes without the stress and expense of going to court. By working with a professionally trained mediator, you can reach practical agreements that reflect the needs and interests of everyone involved — especially children.
At We Mediate, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support you through every stage of your separation. Our experienced and accredited mediators help you navigate complex issues such as financial arrangements, child contact schedules, co-parenting strategies, and communication challenges, all in a safe and confidential setting.
We believe every family deserves a fair, respectful, and accessible path through separation. Our focus is on creating balanced outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of all parties, and our commitment to affordability means we can support families across England and Wales, no matter their circumstances.
Before starting mediation, you will need to attend a MIAM — a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. This is a confidential one-to-one session with an accredited family mediator, where you’ll learn more about how mediation works and whether it’s suitable for your situation. We can usually arrange MIAMs quickly, often within 24–48 hours, with daytime and evening appointments available. Book your MIAM today to take the first step towards resolving matters in a more cooperative and less adversarial way.
If you’re ready to explore a more amicable approach to divorce or separation, we invite you to browse our website or contact us directly. Whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or are already in the midst of proceedings, our team is here to guide and support you at every stage. Schedule your consultation today and discover how mediation can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You can call us on 0333 567 1676 or click here to send us a confidential email.
