SECURITY firm Group 4 was today explaining to an official from the Home Office why defendants have been chained to radiators at an East Lancashire court.

The treatment of defendants by Group 4 at Rossendale Magistrates Court has been likened to "an old style chain gang" by Rossendale Councillor David Baron, who is responsible for looking at the role of duty solicitors.

He compiled a dossier about the security firm and sent it to justice chiefs.

Solicitors complained that they had to interview their clients while they were chained to other defendants because there were not enough security guards available and they were not allowed to use the custody room.

Coun Baron said: "These people have not been convicted of anything.

"To treat people in this manner before they have had the chance to put their case before the courts is completely over the top."

One one occasion magistrates were left waiting until 3.30pm for a defendant to appear when he should have been brought to court by Group 4 at 9.30am

Coun Baron added: "The whole way the court works is an affront to a modern civilised society."

Group 4 convened today's meeting with Coun Baron and a representative from the Home Office.

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