A judge has been recovering at his home in Merthyr Tydfil south Wales after he was punched in the face by a man in the High Court in London.

Mr Justice Christopher Pitchford, 55, was allegedly hit several times in the face after turning down an appeal bid.

I will be fit to return to work on Monday and that is where I'll be

Mr Justice Christopher Pitchford

The 33-year-old defendant, who has not been named, apparently threw a glass lamp at the bench before pushing staff in the court out of the way and hitting the judge.

Lord Chancellor Derry Irvine was said to be "deeply concerned" by the attack and has ordered an investigation.

Mr Justice Pitchford returned to his family farm at Treharris after travelling back from London

He has said he is determined to return to London's Royal Courts of Justice and resume his work.

Arrested

He said: "I have minor facial injuries as a result of the incident in court.

"I'm pleased to be at home with my family. I will be fit to return to work on Monday and that is where I'll be."

During the incident an usher in the court who tried to stop the defendant suffered minor injuries.

The judge refused medical help.

Father-of-four Mr Justice Pitchford was hearing emergency pleas for injunctions at the civil court when the attack happened.

His attacker was arrested by security men and taken to a nearby Charing Cross police station.