A defendant punched a court security officer just moments after leaving the dock.
Anthony Banda had been asked to leave the building due to his aggressive behaviour and was being escorted out by a staff member. After initially complying and starting to walk towards the exit, the 58-year-old suddenly changed his mind, turned and marched back towards the officer.
Prosecutors said that mindless Banda then lashed out and punched the victim and swung further punches, which missed. He was eventually detained by the victim and two police officers, who happened to be nearby for another case.
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Banda, of Hawthorne Terrace, in Cruddas Park, Newcastle, appeared in court last year and pleaded not guilty to one count of assault by beating. His case was listed for trial at Teesside Magistrates' Court in January but he failed to show and he was convicted in his absence.
Banda was due at Newcastle Magistrates' Court for sentence on Thursday but, due to his ill health, couldn't attend and the case was finalised in his absence. Because of his advanced cancer diagnosis, Banda was ordered to pay the victim £200 compensation, instead of being given a community order.
Glena Beck, prosecuting, said Banda had been in the dock on October 25 last year when a court usher asked security for assistance with him as he was being aggressive. The case had been adjourned and the victim asked Banda to leave.
Ms Beck added: "He complied and stormed off. The complainant followed the defendant to escort him from the court and he walked a number of meters away from the court room before turning and saying 'I tell you what.' The complainant raised his arms to stop the defendant walking passed him.
"Due to the defendant's agitated state, the complainant pushed him backwards with two flat, open hands. The defendant then punched the complainant with a closed fist then attempted to throw further punches at him."
The court was told that the victim managed to take Banda to the ground while police officers assisted in detaining and arresting him. In a statement, the victim said: "I should not have to tolerate aggression or violence at work. My role is to help the public and this sort of behaviour isn't acceptable."
Amy Lamb, defending, said Banda had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and was "seriously unwell". She added: "It was not a prolonged incident."
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