IT SOUNDS like something from a chain-gang movie set in the Deep South in the Thirties - but the shackling of prisoners is still going on here in East Lancashire.

It should not happen. The Home Office is quite clear on that.

But, it seems Group Four, the security firm in charge of moving prisoners between jails and courts, is slow to get the message.

For despite having already been ordered to stop chaining prisoners to windows and radiators at Rossendale Magistrates' Court, only 10 days later the firm's staff were found to be still doing it.

A 15-year-old boy awaiting transfer to Lancaster Farms young offenders' institution was discovered by his solicitor chained to the bars of a window at the court.

So what on earth goes on?

Are we to assume that it has something to do with the privatisation of the transportation of prisoners?

If so, the Home Office would do well to do more than dish out reprimands and order a thorough review of the service too.

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