Glasgow Sheriff Court cells for women branded "degrading and inhumane" by Her Majesty's prisons inspectors

The court, one of the busiest in Europe, has holding cells for those in custody waiting to appear before a sheriff.

In a highly critical report the court’s cells area for women were found to be overcrowded, foul smelling, and “not fit for purpose” in the modern age.

Women had to pass men urinating in a row of unscreened toilets and themselves sometimes had only a wall mounted male urinal for toilet facilities.

Concerns were raised over the overall conditions including privacy in the cells, particularly around toilet issues, but also on safety grounds.

The cells too few in number and were covered from top to bottom in graffiti and there was no system for calling for help if needed.

The report is part of a wider report into Cornton Vale women’s prison which was also found to be lacking in adequate toilet provision.

When the inspection team form Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland visited there were 110 people in custody and 15 of them were women.

The court deals with most of the women from Cornton Vale.

The HMIPS report into the court, stated: “Conditions for women held in Glasgow Sheriff Court, when viewed from a human decency perspective were a major concern, the facilities available were not fit for purpose and did not reflect positively on a 21st Century criminal justice system

“The conditions for women within Glasgow Sheriff Court were appalling, women moving to and from the court custody unit to the court itself passed the male toilets.

“These facilities were unscreened, odorous and clearly visible from the hallway, as were any individuals using the facilities.”

The inspection team was led by David Strang, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and included representatives from the Care Inspectorate NHS and Education Scotland. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and Scottish Human rights Commission was also involved.

The report continued: “The female cellular area was small and contained a small number of holding rooms which meant five or six females were located within each cell, which was far from ideal, especially given the number of women that they has to manage within this area with addiction or mental health issues.

“Additionally this area had only one toilet which was screened from the room but did not have a full door which provided only minimal privacy which was degrading and inhumane for all concerned.”

When women are locked in the cells waiting to be called to court the inspectors were concerned there was no call button if someone required assistance.

The report stated: “Many of the women were vulnerable and may have been suffering from mental health or behavioural issues and an inability to attract attention of staff was concerning.

“Additionally if a female was held in one of these holding cells the only toilet facilities within the cell was a male urinal.”