THE cells at Swindon Magistrates Court were out of action for a week after it was discovered that paint used to re-decorate them was giving off toxic fumes.

Prisoners had to be dealt with using a video link service connected with prisons and police stations because there was nowhere to keep them secure at the courthouse while they waited for their cases to be called on.

The closure meant solicitors were unable to see clients face-to-face to take instructions, while others in custody had to be transported 45 miles away to Salisbury Magistrates Court to have their hearings. It also prevented some defendants being remanded in custody.

On Twitter, one anonymous solicitor complained: “Cells in local court out of action now for a week because the paint used to smarten them has toxic fumes.

“All custody cases being dealt with by video link. Four cases in three hours. Six bail cases adjourned due to lack of court time.”

They added in another frustrated tweet: “Bail cases cannot be sent to custody because they can’t use the cells. Suggestion was to ask defendant to come back next week.”

The Advertiser asked the Ministry of Justice about the redecoration but a spokesman would only say: “Unfortunately due to maintenance, the cells at Swindon Magistrates Court were unavailable from Tuesday 13 March to Wednesday 28 March. The cells are now back in use and all hearings have been dealt with either via video link or transported to Salisbury.”