Maggots: As seen in the courts of England and Wales
Solicitors have reported “little improvement” in the dilapidated state of court estate in England and Wales over the past three years.
The problems they faced, according to research by the Law Society, included rotting seagulls in the roof and maggots “raining down” into the lobby, a rat infestation and a pipe spraying sewage over the contents of a robing room.
A majority of solicitors (55%) considered the physical state of courts fit for purpose ‘to some extent’, with 28% saying they were ‘not at all’ fit for purpose – the same as in the society’s previous survey in 2022.
However, the proportion saying the technology provided by the courts was fit for purpose ‘to some extent’ fell slightly to 64% – for 20%, it was ‘not at all’ fit for purpose, up from 13%.
Solicitors with a disability were much more likely to find the physical state of the courts ‘not at all fit’ for purpose.
Almost two-thirds of solicitors experienced delays in cases being heard due to the state of courts within the past 12 months, the same as three years ago, while 46% said conditions had led to adjournments.
The Law Society distributed the survey to over 10,000 solicitors but only received 293 responses.
Among the courts rated lowest by solicitors were Manchester and Uxbridge magistrates’ courts, and Swindon Crown and magistrates’ courts.
One solicitor said the buildings at Manchester Magistrates’ Court were “literally crumbling” and there was a rat infestation.
“The cells regularly become overwhelmed with vans queued up outsides and suspects having to urinated in bags.”
Meanwhile, a solicitor in South Shields said a court had to close early for two days: “This was because dead and rotting seagulls were within the roof insulation. The court had to close because maggots were literally raining down onto the lobby.”
There were “several sewage leaks” in the robing room at Hull Crown Court.
“The sewage pipe above the room leaked sewage down into the room, spraying personal items, carpet and desks etc… This was a significant health risk which led to several counsel and solicitors being very ill.”
The courts rated best included Liverpool Crown Court, the Immigration and Asylum Chamber in Birmingham and Grimsby Magistrates’ Court.
The 37 positive comments made by solicitors focused on “helpful, diligent and friendly staff”, facilities and cleanliness, and efficient case listings and management of cases.
Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society, said the poor state of court buildings across England and Wales was “both a contributor to the huge backlog of court cases and an illustration of the woeful lack of investment” in the justice system.
“The report also identifies examples of good practice, which show the positive results that can be achieved when necessary investment is made.
“This could be an easy win for the government, which has rightly recognised the need for capital and sustained investment in the courts but must go further.
“By targeting investment effectively and applying technology, we can ensure that everyone has access to justice, without unacceptable delays, in courts that are truly fit for purpose.”
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