MASSIVE security measures are being implemented at York magistrates court and others across North Yorkshire to curb an alarming increase in court violence and staff intimidation.

Extra security guards, metal detectors and CCTV cameras will be introduced to court buildings in York, Selby, Harrogate, Skipton and Scarborough, over the next few weeks.

A new "secure dock" surrounded by a large see-through screen will also be erected at York magistrates later this year after fears over court staff and magistrates' safety following a number of incidents.

A defendant managed to jump over a dock and attack a judge at the Old Bailey recently and another defendant pulled out a replica gun at Harrogate magistrates in January.

Meanwhile, a Government inspection of York magistrates last year reported complaints of drug dealing in the courthouse, discarded needles, fighting and general public disorder and aggressive behaviour towards staff.

The justices' chief executive Paul Bradley said the £90,000 measures - paid for out of North Yorkshire magistrates revenue budget and grants secured from the Lord Chancellor's Department - would provide a safer environment for both court staff and the public at large.

The new measures are:

* Two security guards will patrol full-time at the main courts in York and Harrogate, while Selby, Scarborough, Northallerton and Skipton will have one.

* Walk-through security arches to detect metal objects will be installed at York, Scarborough, Harrogate and Northallerton.

* Court security guards will be equipped with hand-held metal detectors at Selby and Skipton.

* A see-through "secure dock" will be installed at a courtroom in York.

* Proposals are in hand to install eight CCTV cameras at Selby magistrates.

Mr Bradley said: "Everybody who enters York magistrates and others will now have to go through the security arches which immediately alerts security to anyone carrying dangerous objects such as knives, guns or needles.

"We're looking to protect everybody who uses the court, as well as staff and magistrates.

"We believe these new measures will ensure that happens."

Mayfair Security Group operations manager Ian Crawford, who is responsible for implementing the changes, said: "Court buildings can be quite intimidating places and many have been beset with problems of violence and disorder.

"With the new measures in place we hope to provide a much safer environment

Updated: 07:57 Thursday, August 23, 2001