Aylesbury Crown Court, with its big, heavy grey doors is intimidating enough and an environment alien to most and the least preferred destination for the users of the service.

A wide staircase with wood paneling turns back on itself, leading to an open chamber where criminals, victims of crime, barristers, press, police and other users of the court congregate, side by side, eyeing one another up wondering who has done what.

It is quite startling that, in 2008, it is still allowed to function with no dock in one of the courts allowing the possible escape of dangerous criminals and with no access for disabled people it cannot be considered a fully open access court.

It is bad enough for a witness to have to relive the crime in the witness box and face a cross examination from a barrister, but to have to wait for this ordeal in close proximity to the person who caused the aggravation cannot be accepted.

Whilst there are plans for Aylesbury Crown Court to be moved to a purpose built location, these conditions still exist.

We have also reported that £2.6 million has been spent on Aylesbury Police Station's custody suite to make it more secure, but what is the point in that if criminals that get to crown court are then given a ticket to escape from a building with security staff, but no police presence?

A member of the security staff at Aylesbury Crown Court spoke about their concerns over safety.

They had to make a request for a defendant to be handcuffed throughout his sentencing because they feared he would make an escape bid.

These staff are already carrying out a risky job with fears for their own safety, but with criminals easily able to make a run for it they are having more pressure put on unnecessarily.