Judge apologises as ‘inefficient’ security checks lead to delays

Judges and lawyers have complained about long waits at courts following the introduction of enhanced security checks.

Heightened security is thought to be contributing to long queuing times, which led one judge to post a letter of apology outside his court.

Jeremy Carey, resident judge at Maidstone Combined Court Centre, wrote: “We are all heartily sick of the chronic failure of those responsible for providing effective and efficient security measures at the front entrance of this building to do so.”

He said the wait was down to a faulty metal detector which beeps when anyone walks through, as well as a poor security staff attendance record. In August Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service said “enhanced safety measures” had been introduced.