PCS raises concerns about court safety and security
PCS has called for changes to court designs and ways of working that ensure people are better protected, following the incident of a violent assault on a judge which left him hospitalised.
A judge needed hospital treatment following an attack by a litigant in person at a closed family hearing at Milton Keynes County Court. We know it is no longer rare for our members to be intimidated and assaulted in court rooms.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Security and safety in courts have been a significant and ongoing concern for us for some time.
“It’s not just judges at risk – sadly, it’s no longer rare for our members to be intimidated and assaulted in court rooms.
“Many of the issues arise in family courts because litigants in person do not understand the way the law requires the court to operate, so they are frustrated by the process.
“We need urgent changes to court designs and ways of working to ensure our members are better protected as they go about serving the public.
“We also need Legal Aid to be restored to family private law proceedings.”