Police are investigating after a defendant punched a security guard in a court dock yesterday.

The 33-year-old Serco worker received minor injuries in the incident, which happened at around 3pm at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court.

Andover man Shane Richard Donovan had just been remanded into custody, charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, when he lashed out at the security guard.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We received a report that yesterday, 2 August, at around 3pm, a security guard was assaulted by a prisoner at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

"The victim, a 33-year-old man, reported minor injuries.

"Officers will be investigating the assault."

Donovan spoke to confirm his name and address before interrupting District Judge Timothy Pattinson when he decided not to grant him bail. 

Donovan said: "Why won't you let me see my sister? It is all lies coming from you.

"All I want is to see my sister."

When District Judge Pattinson explained how he reached his decision, which cannot be reported at this stage for legal reasons, and told security guards to return him to the cells, Donovan remained unmoved.

After a security guard tried to encourage him to leave the dock, the 27-year-old Andover resident swung his right arm at the security guard, punching him in the head.

A struggle ensued in which the other security guard hit a panic alarm, and the defendant, dressed in a grey custody tracksuit, was eventually bundled out of the dock by four guards.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed the security guard did not suffer significant physical injuries and came back into court a few minutes later to retrieve Donovan's glasses, which had come off in the struggle.

District Judge Pattinson adjourned proceedings shortly after the altercation.

Donovan was remanded into custody pending his next hearing in September.

Donovan will next appear before Winchester Crown Court on September 1.

An MoJ spokesperson told The Gazette on Monday: "A punch was thrown at a Serco dock officer.

"He is uninjured and the defendant was restrained and has been remanded back to custody."

Hampshire Constabulary has been contacted for comment.