Defendant mugged at court

THE CLERK at Southampton Magistrates' Court adjourned a motoring case yesterday because the defendant was mugged in a corridor while waiting to be called.

Roger Gooch, 22, a builder, had pounds 40 in his pocket and was waiting to pay a fine for speeding when he was jostled by four men, who ordered him to hand over everything. 'They were much bigger than me and I knew it was no good trying to put up a fight,' he said. 'The officers couldn't believe I had been mugged in the court - come to that neither could I'

Mr Gooch was driven round the city centre and later police confirmed that four men had been arrested but were released on bail, pending further inquiries.

After police told magistrates about the mugging, Mr Gooch's case was adjourned to a later date.