Cells in Kent courts are deplorably filthy and covered in racist, pornographic, misogynist graffiti according to a prison inspectors' report.

Inspectors also found many custody staff handcuffed children, even if they were cooperating, and at some courts, women and young detainees were transported in the same vans as adult men, where they were verbally abused.

The report reads: "In one cell at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court there was a swastika and graffiti containing the phrase ‘Muslim scum’; the graffiti at Medway Magistrates’ Court was particularly offensive."

The report, released today, also said staff had not been sufficiently trained to respond to people with mental health problems.

Inspectors were particularly concerned to discover some staff referring to one detainee with mental health problems as a ‘nutter’, ‘not the full ticket’ and ‘a bit simple.’

Sexual and religious sensitivities were not taken into account, according to the report, and detainees were left in cells inspectors said had not been cleaned "in some time."

The report reads: "The majority of court cells were filthy and in a deplorable condition with ingrained dirt in corners and stains down the walls.

"It was apparent that cells had not been deep cleaned for some time; many of the courts had requested that a deep clean be undertaken but they had not materialised."

“Those detained at Kent courts should be held in a safer and more decent environment than is currently in place" - Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons

Inspectors discovered the cleaning and maintenance contractor was not fulfilling the terms of its contract.

Police cells have also come under fire following the unannounced inspection, which looked at custody cells at Kent's magistrates' and crown courts, and police custody suites.

The probe was carried out in June last year.

Inspectors criticised Kent Police for failing to improve problems highlighted by an earlier visit in 2010.

As in the court cells, children held in police stations were routinely handcuffed despite cooperating with officers, and risk assessments - and the management of risks that were identified - were poor.

Kent Police operates seven custody suites across the county, and officers manage up to 2,500 detainees each month.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Futers of Kent Police said: "Our officers often work in some difficult and challenging circumstances as well as providing support for some vulnerable detainees.

"While there are some areas identified for further improvement, HMIP recognises this report was commissioned before a change to our policing model last year.

"Kent Police is seeking national support to move to a seven-day justice process with longer court opening times to reduce the number of detainees in cells overnight.

"Since July, the force has been able to implement a comprehensive and consistent quality assurance programme to support custody sergeants in documenting improved risk assessment processes."

Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: "This was the second inspection of Kent Police, the first being in 2010. We were disappointed to find, other than in health care, standards had not improved.

"There was insufficient focus on the care of children in custody and almost half the recommendations, from the previous inspection, remained unachieved.

"It was clear from the progress made in health care that with appropriate strategic oversight at a senior officer level, championing a cause can have major benefits for detainees and the police service.

“Those detained at Kent courts should be held in a safer and more decent environment than is currently in place."

The Ministry of Justice is ultimately responsible for the National Offender Management Service, which runs the cells at Kent's two county and eight magistrates' courts.

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