For the judge at Aylesbury Crown Court it is a common refrain. As the 12 men and women squeeze into the tiny jury box, His Honour Judge Christopher Tyrer sighs while he explains apologetically that the wooden structure was “designed by and for Victorians, and so was not planned for comfort” (Steve Bird writes).

Court One - there are only two - has featured in the television series Judge John Deed, and while the austere atmosphere, in part created by the creaking, dark wood panelling and floor, makes a perfect television set, the court is defective as a workplace.

Aylesbury Crown Court was built in the 18th century, and its red-brick building dominates the heart of the Buckinghamshire town. The entrance resembles that of a Victorian jail - the huge wooden door is embossed with bulky metal studs - and is enough to strike fear into the hearts of most criminals. Inside, barristers interview their clients in the waiting area, with the handful of consultation rooms invariably booked up.

Unlike modern courtrooms, the dock in Court One has no toughened glass to contain the accused. Instead, a row of metal spikes discourages defendants from leaping free.

The press is allocated one seat (a problem when it assembled en masse for the Great Train Robbery trial in the Sixties) and during bigger trials, reporters have to huddle up alongside the public in the upstairs gallery. Added negatives are the poor lighting and acoustics.

While the second court is lighter and more pleasant, it is mainly used as a council chamber. It has no dock, merely wooden pews for councillors.

The main concern is that the Crown Court is unsuitable for disabled visitors and workers. There is no ramp leading to the front door and no internal lift.

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