LAY Observers, who monitor conditions for detained people in court custody and under escort, are calling for action to promote the welfare and dignity of young, vulnerable and disabled people.

Monitoring at Uxbridge Magistrates Court uncovered the case of a 16-year-old girl being brought from a police station to the court in a standard Serco prison vehicle with adult men.

Though it was permitted under that particular contract, she would have to be escorted by trained officers in an unmarked car with tinted windows if under escort to or from a Youth Offender Institute or secure unit.

In police custody, children, young people and vulnerable adults are safeguarded through the presence of an appropriate adult.

Once they reach court custody, there is no such provision and they are treated like adults, placed in small windowless cells and cared for by custody officers with no special training.

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Lay Observer chairman Tony FitzSimons said: “What goes on in court custody and under escort to court is a hidden part of our justice system.

“It is very concerning that there is less protection for children and young people in court, where life changing decisions are made about their future.”

Lay Observers have a unique role as independent monitors of what goes on in the cells under our courts and in prisoner transport.

The treatment of those with disabilities is also a cause of concern to them. They say disabled people are frequently sent for trial at courts that are not accessible to them.