Knives, tools and brollies: the items seized from Northants courts this year

Anyone who has ever attended a court hearing will know the procedures in place when you enter the building.

Empty your pockets, let a security officer check your bag, go through the archway metal detector and off you go.

For most people it's not an issue, but some are only allowed to enter once a prohibited item is taken from them.

There's a long list of things you can't take into court. Some, like guns and illegal knives, are obviously weapons. Others, like umbrellas, may seem harmless but could be used as a weapon.

Using Freedom of Information laws, this newspaper has obtained a breakdown of the items seized this year by security at the county's three main courts - Northampton Crown Court in Lady's Lane, which is also the entrance to the county court, Northampton Magistrates' Court in Campbell Square and Wellingborough Magistrates' Court in Midland Road.

Court hearings were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic in March with many cases being held over video conferencing and courthouses closed to the public. Of the three court buildings only Northampton Magistrates' Court remained open to the public initially, although all courts have now re-opened.

At Northampton Crown Court, where the county's most serious cases are heard, 21 knives were seized between January and October this year.

A total of 12 of these had a blade which was bigger than 3in long - making it illegal to have in a public place and punishable by prison.

Alcohol was seized 24 times with 664 instances where glass bottles were taken.

Security officers also seized 75 classic large umbrellas and three motorcycle helmets.

At Northampton Magistrates' Court, the county's busiest courthouse, 34 knives were seized with nine with a blade longer than 3in.

Security officers also seized one firearm which was classed as 'other', although it's not clear what type of firearm it was.

They also seized 63 weapons classed as 'other' and 44 items of cutlery, as well as 46 motorcycle helmets.

At Wellingborough Magistrates' Court, which was closed for several months this year, just 64 items were seized up until October.

Nine of these were tools, with 10 instances of 'general sharps' being taken from a court user and nine classic large umbrellas seized.

No drugs were seized from any of the county's courts between January and October this year.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "All court users are searched for prohibited items on entry, items include any article that could be used as a weapon, such as a pen knife or an item made of glass.

"Most of the items confiscated are everyday household objects and not carried as a weapon or with the intent to harm. We remove these to maintain a safe and secure environment, free of items that could potentially be used as a weapon.

"Any illegal article is reported immediately to the police. Knives confiscated with blades under 3in are small blades such as pen-knifes or keyring knives.

"The safety and security of court users and staff is our first priority, which is why we have safety measures in place across all our courts. We keep our security procedures under constant review and will always take action where appropriate. A major £153m has been invested into the court system to improve services including security protocols."