Fraudster critically injured after pouring acid on himself in court as judge passes jail sentence

Marc Marshall is believed to have drunk noxious substance from metal water bottle before later pouring it on his face

Jacqueline Patrick and Katherine Patrick were jailed at Inner London Crown Court (Google Streetview)

A fraudster is critically injured in hospital after dousing himself with acid as a judge jailed him for more than two years.

Marc Marshall, 54, was in the dock at Inner London Crown Court on Monday when he poured the noxious substance over his face.

He was rushed to nearby St Thomas’ Hospital in south London where he remains in a critical condition.

A female custody officer was also injured but she was treated at the scene and did not need hospital treatment.

Marshall was reported to have been carrying a metal water bottle but CCTV footage is said to have shown him sipping from it as he went through security.

The defendant had pleaded guilty to a series of cheque fraud offences involving £135,000, according to the BBC.

A spokesman from the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called to Court 10, Inner London Crown Court, at 12.01pm on Monday 29 April following reports of a serious assault.

“Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance attended and a male aged in his 50s was found to have doused himself with a noxious substance.

“He has been taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries. His condition is critical.

“A female dock officer was also injured by some of the substance. Her injuries are not believed to be serious and she did not require hospital treatment.”

An HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokeswoman said: “The safety and security of all court users is our priority and we’re deeply concerned about the incident at Inner London Sessions House.

“Police are urgently investigating what happened and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”