Father jailed after attack on Family Court Judge during proceedings in Milton Keynes

A father who attacked a family court judge in Milton Keynes County Court during a hearing has been sentenced to three years in prison.

According to a report in the Evening Standard, Southwark crown court heard Judge Patrick Perusko “feared for his life” as Greg Hazledine, 41, landed “repeated punches” to his head during the attack in November 2023.

The attacker pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage to a radiator after he threw it at the judge during a family court dispute between him and his wife.

In sentencing remarks, published this week, the Honourable Mr Justice Goss said: “You pinned him down with your body weight, your hand on top of his chest and throat and punched him to the head a number of times.”

Judge Perusko suffered wounds, swelling, and bruising to his head and had to be treated in hospital.

A judicial spokesperson told the Standard that Judge Perusko was supported by leadership judges and was offered access to counselling and professional support services.

Mr Justice Goss sentenced Hazledine to three years in prison, for the assault on Judge Perusko and a previous incident where he shouted verbal abuse at another judge.

Following the attack, the Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) called for “robust and proper security for all court users”, and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) suspended face to face hearings at some Mental Health Hospitals and Trusts, citing “national security concerns”.

Milton Keynes County Court and the Judiciary have been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson