I would like to highlight a new danger associated with my job that I had not previously considered. While airport security measures are likely to be relaxed, magistrates’ courts seem to be adding extra layers to their security procedures. While attending our local court last week, I emptied my pockets, had my bag searched and passed through the metal detector arch (which was not activated).

As the security guard scanned me with a metal detector wand, he hit me in the face with it, bursting my lip and damaging my tooth. Representing two clients in court with blood pouring from my mouth was not an easy task.Needless to say, my colleagues found this whole episode very amusing. However, it does call into question the over-the-top security procedures at our courts. Why is it necessary to have such excessive security checks? Perhaps the courts should be assessing the risk and subjecting defendants – rather than lawyers – to more rigorous checks.

Richard Williams, director, Licensing Legal Solicitors, Manchester