Defendant tries to slit his throat with hidden razor blade in dock at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court

Two security guards leapt into action to restrain a 48-year-old alleged burglar as he tried to injure himself in Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

One of the guards knocked the blade from his hand as he was then held down by both men as court staff rang for more officers.

The defendant, who is not being named by The News as he is still due to face trial, suffered superficial wounds in the incident at around 12.30pm.

The defendant had just been told by district judge Gary Lucie he would not be released on bail when he tried to harm himself.

Solicitors and court staff watched in shock as the man, who remained silent, raised the blade to his neck making slashing actions before the dock officers quickly intervened.

The incident has raised major questions about the security process.

The man had been brought to court having been arrested by police.

He was brought into court from the cells, and would not have entered through the main entrance where security checks are carried out on anyone coming into the building.

The Ministry of Justice said its security contractors were not involved and referred The News to GeoAmey and Hampshire police.

In court, officers calmed down the man, who was dressed in a onesie, before taking him down to the cells.

The Portsea-based defendant had been charged with burglary, going equipped and vehicle interference.

The News understands the blade was concealed in his underwear.

A GEOAmey spokesman said: ‘We can confirm an incident at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court (yesteday) where a defendant self harmed in the dock.

‘He received only superficial injuries which did not require hospital treatment and was returned to custody.

‘An investigation will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding this incident.’

Hampshire police declined to comment.