The over-zealous security officer at an unspecified court said the barrister “might use the pens for graffiti and the car as a weapon”.

The incident, publicised by the Criminal Bar Association in England and Wales, has sparked outrage among lawyers who are already unhappy with “insulting and contemptuous” behaviour from court security staff.

The barrister in question complained and received an apology.

However, CBA chair Angela Rafferty said: “How are members of the public and witnesses treated, who may never complain?

“It is a real sign of how low things have got when professional court users are subjected to this insulting and contemptuous behaviour.”