THREE court workers wrestled with a strugging defendant who had leapt out of the dock towards the judge.

Usher Malcolm Magee, and custody officers Margaret Fearon and Paul Alderson weighed in to prevent 18-year-old David Laddie reaching Judge Richard Lowden at Durham Crown Court.

Laddie, who was in custody accused of burglary, was angry at being denied an immediate bail application.

The trio, backed by court 'logger' Ron Hart, who records proceedings, helped to wrestle Laddie to the floor of court one. He was restrained and returned to the cells, still struggling and shouting.

Laddie, now 19, of Edward Street, Durham, was recently jailed for 31 months after admitting burglary, attempted escape, common assault and damaging property, at Newcastle Crown Court.

Three months of the sentence was imposed for the court incident in March.

Ms Fearon, Mr Alderson and Mr Magee were each presented with High Sheriff's Awards of £100 from public funds this week.

Durham's High Sheriff, Richard Coad, said: "But for your assistance the safety of the judge would have been gravely compromised."

Judge Michael Cartlidge told them: "It's fitting we should be in court one, for it's here that the defendant came from the dock and got very close to His Honour Judge Lowden. I've spoken to the judge about what happened and he is most sincerely grateful for what you have done."

Judge Cartlidge added that the £100 was 'a token' of the court's gratitude.

Describing the incident, Mr Magee said: "He jumped over the front bench and got to where I was sitting. As he reached up to try to get to the judge I just kept hold of his legs. The custody officers and other court staff came over to overpower him.

"It was just an instinctive reaction on my part as he came past."

Mr Magee, a former police officer, retires after ten years working at court next month.

Mr Alderson, now a prison escort officer, and Ms Fearon are employed by court prisoner escort operator GSL.

Mr Hart, of South Shields, will receive a similar £100 award from Tyne & Wear's High Sheriff.