POLICE SCOTLAND was criticised today after inspectors found prisoners were being transported to court in their underwear or without shoes.

A report on Edinburgh Sheriff Court’s operations by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) said it was “unacceptable” for people to be transferred from escort vans dressed in such a way.

HMIPS staff saw that “one female prisoner arrived in her nightclothes, two prisoners were in shorts, one prisoner appeared to be in his underwear and one prisoner had no footwear,” the report said.

“Police Scotland should ensure that those arriving from police custody are appropriately dressed for the journey and their subsequent court appearance.

“It is unacceptable that individuals are expected to appear in a court of law in their underwear or nightclothes.”

The findings followed an inspection of court custody provision on June 18, which found the court's custody unit to be “well-run with staff that were clearly well-motivated, well-led and working well as a team.”

But it also recommended that staff needed to review how they undertook “some of the more sensitive engagements” with those in custody.

The report stated: “On occasions, sensitive or potentially personal matters were discussed in open areas where confidentiality could have been breached.”

Chief Superintendent Garry McEwan, head of Police Scotland’s criminal justice services division, said the force was “keen to work with our partners on the recommendations.”

He said: “Police Scotland ensure that all those in police custody are treated with dignity and respect.

“Alternative footwear and clothing is stocked in all primary suites and where practical is offered.”