Serco Faces Backlash Over Removal of Prisoner Artworks from Court Custody Suites
A government contractor has been accused of acting in a "petty and vindictive" manner after tearing down brightly coloured artworks and motivational messages intended to improve conditions for detainees in court cells across England and Wales. The decision by Serco to remove these murals, which were commissioned to cheer up often underground and bleak custody areas, is detailed in the annual report of the Lay Observers, independent monitors of court custody and escort conditions.
Report Highlights Systemic Failures in Court Custody
The report, based on 759 visits representing nearly 2,000 hours of monitoring, reveals "ongoing systemic failures" in the court custody estate. While some improvements were noted, such as dedicated accommodation for children in 20 courts, numerous issues persist. For instance, at Swindon magistrates court, a detained person spent 10 hours in transport and custody for a nine-minute hearing. In another case, a disabled individual endured a five-hour journey simply to access a video-link instead of using a prison link.
Transportation safety concerns were also highlighted. In July 2025, Lay Observers found that in 44% of monitored journeys where women were transported alongside men, one or more men had been charged with or convicted of sexual offences or domestic violence against women. That same month, in 38% of journeys involving children, at least one child was transported with an adult.
Artwork Removal Sparks Outrage Among Campaigners
The artworks, created by prisoners at HMP Doncaster and featuring quotes from figures like Madonna, were commissioned by the government's Prisoner Escort and Custody Services to brighten court cells. According to the report, Serco-operated courts "quickly removed" the murals following instructions from management, while GEOAmey, another contractor, installed them. One motivational quote attributed to Madonna read: "No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you can always change and become a better version of yourself."
This incident echoes a similar controversy in July 2023, when then-immigration minister Robert Jenrick ordered cartoon murals, including images of Mickey Mouse and Baloo from Jungle Book, to be painted over at a children's asylum centre, deeming them too welcoming.
Campaigners Condemn Serco's Actions
Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, criticised the removal, stating: "In this time of court delays, overuse of remand and miserable prison conditions, it seems petty and vindictive to order the removal of artwork that might offer a source of hope in court custody suites." Mark Day, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust, added that Serco should explain its decision, emphasising that such artwork could make the environment more humane and reduce risks of self-harm during early custody periods.
David Whalley, national chair of Lay Observers, called for improved safeguarding practices, saying: "Safeguarding often vulnerable people in court custody must move beyond aspiration and become embedded in everyday practice. The experiences documented in this report demonstrate that the current situation is not acceptable."
Additional Concerns Raised in the Report
The report also documented instances of poor treatment, such as a man with only one tooth who struggled to eat but was denied dietary adjustments by a court manager unwilling to be seen as "easy to manipulate." Observers noted court staff "barking" questions at detainees, while a poster reminded staff of financial penalties for slow processing.
Responses from Serco and the Ministry of Justice
A Serco spokesperson responded: "Serco is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for detainees in our care. We are working with HM Prison and Probation Service to enhance the look and feel of court custody suites." A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: "It is vital we provide safe environments for those in court custody, and we work closely with suppliers to strengthen safeguards for people in our care." This includes measures like physical separations in transport vans and taking cells out of use if they fail health and safety requirements.
