Security threat in court

SECURITY at the Magistrate's Court was breached yesterday when a woman tried to get into the magistrate's private chamber. Danika Machon, 18, was prevented from reaching the room only by a court official who leaped over the bench to restrain her.

Miss Machon ran from the public gallery swearing and shouting threats against Assistant-Magistrate Cherry McMillen, who had returned to her room to consider whether she would grant bail to Miss Machon's boyfriend, 22-year-old Richard Clarke.

He had pleaded guilty to theft and receiving stolen goods.

Security at the court was stepped up in 2003 when two Peckham drug dealers were tried.

An expensive floor-to-ceiling glass partition was installed to prevent anyone sitting in the gallery from gaining entry to the main body of the court.

When Miss Machon tried unsuccessfully to get through the glass, she left through a side door and returned using another.

She managed to get past the court inspector and an advocate, who was pleading with her to calm down, and ran towards the bench.

Miss Machon picked up the assistant-Magistrate's water glass and threw it to the floor, where it smashed in front of the court reporter's desk.

She was within 6ft of Miss McMillen's room when HM Deputy Sheriff Martyn Richardson jumped over a four-foot barrier and barred her way.

Inspector Paul Yabsley restrained Miss Machon, who continued to swear and struggle as she was led from the court.

He was unwilling to comment on how the woman had managed to evade court security.

'The young lady was extremely emotional about the prospect of her partner being remanded in custody. But the assistant-Magistrate dealt with it as she saw fair,' said the inspector.

Further police officers were called and Miss Machon was taken to the holding cells beneath the court.

Minutes later, flanked by two police officers, she was brought before Miss McMillen to apologise.

'I'm very sorry,' she said.

The assistant-Magistrate said she would not stand for her 'juvenile' behaviour.

'You do understand that as a result of your behaviour, you have interrupted court proceedings. That cannot be tolerated,' said Miss McMillen.

She ordered Miss Machon to leave the court immediately.

A spokesman for the Bailiff's office said: 'The Bailiff has had a full report on the matter and he regards this unfortunate incident as closed.'

*'Mr Clarke was granted conditional bail and the case against him was adjourned until 24 February for a probation report.

Before retiring to consider the bail application, Miss McMillen said that Miss Machon's behaviour would have no effect on her decision.