Barrister saves mother of defendant he was prosecuting in Croydon court

A heroic barrister saved a woman’s life during a court hearing this week when he carried out emergency resuscitation.

Crown prosecutor Nathan Fuller, from CPS London South, came to the aid of a defendant’s mother when she suffered a seizure, fell unconscious, and stopped breathing.

Despite the panic at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, Nathan administered mouth-to-mouth and held the woman in the recovery position as she regained consciousness. He then remained with her until the paramedics arrived 35 minutes later.

Court staff described his quick-thinking actions as “heroic”.

Nathan said: “I was first aid trained as a lifeguard in my teens, so nearly 20 years ago. I initially went over to the defendant’s mother as she was hyperventilating to try and assist.

“She fainted and my initial thought was to put her on the floor and make sure she was safe. When I realised she wasn’t breathing, instinct just kicked in. I knew I needed to help her and give her mouth to mouth. I didn’t really think much at the time – I just acted.” 

The defendant was in court for a first hearing after allegedly stabbing a man in the stomach at a grocery shop in South Norwood.

Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London South, adds: “Every day staff at the CPS go out of their way to deliver justice and Nathan’s actions are nothing short of remarkable.

“His swift and caring response to a member of the public in need speaks volumes about Nathan, his professionalism and his genuine sense of humanity. The presence of mind he showed whilst he was at court on his feet prosecuting is truly commendable.”