A solicitor was allegedly injured during a ‘serious’ incident involving court security officers at Stratford Magistrates' Court (pictured) yesterday. The London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association has written an open letter to HMCTS demanding ‘the immediate suspension from duty of all the security officers involved in the incident pending a full, independent investigation into the facts’.
The letter, from LCCSA president Edward Jones, states: ‘We understand there was a serious incident involving court security officers and a solicitor acting as duty at Stratford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, as a result of which the solicitor was injured.
‘We also understand that police officers present in the building were called upon to intervene. Based on the reports we have received, we are seriously concerned and appalled at the alleged behaviour of the security officers involved.
‘Given the seriousness of the alleged incident and the already documented history of complaints against security staff at Stratford Magistrates’ Court (which are already the subject of an official complaint by this association), we have no confidence at the moment that those tasked with ensuring the safety of our members and colleagues at this court are capable of doing so.’
It adds that if the security officers were to continue working at the court, the organisation ‘may recommend to our members that they do not attend Stratford Magistrates’ Court until this situation has been resolved’.
In a post on social media site X, formerly Twitter, the LCCSA called the reports of the incident ‘genuinely shocking’.
The Gazette understands the incident occurred as the duty solicitor was going back inside the court after having gone outside for a short break.
A HMCTS spokesperson said: ‘These are serious complaints and we are urgently investigating them as a matter of priority. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. Our security measures are designed to protect the safety of all court users within our premises and remain under constant review. They are put in place in consultation with judiciary and the police.’
A Law Society spokesperson said it had been made aware of ‘a number of serious incidents’ at Stratford Mags which indicated a ‘pattern of alleged rogue behaviour’. He added: ‘What we have heard is truly shocking indicating a pattern of alleged rogue behaviour by HM Courts & Tribunals Service contracted security team at Stratford, including what appears to be a serious incident involving a solicitor yesterday.
‘We are making urgent enquiries of HMCTS to establish the facts and to secure assurances as to the safety of our members.'
