SCOTTISH judges and sheriffs want security measures increased in courts because they fear being attacked.

A survey of law officers found many are concerned about levels of protection in courtrooms.

Among fears they highlighted was the small stature of some security officers who are handcuffed to convicts during court hearings.

They are worried the custody officers would be unable to tackle larger prisoners if trouble flared.

The law officers are calling for tighter security in a bid to stop violent outbursts by criminals appearing in the dock.

Their warning comes a week after a protester breached security at the Leveson Inquiry to berate former Prime Minister Tony Blair over the Iraq war.

It came in the first-ever survey by the Scottish Court Service on the views of judges and sheriffs on their work.

Suggestions for improved security included screening of people entering courts to be put in place at all times, separate entrances and toilets for judges and sheriffs and more police officers in court.

The report reads: "Twenty-four respondents commented on security issues in courts.

"Thirteen respondents alluded to the risks to the personal safety of judicial office holders when having to walk through public areas to get to their courts or chambers.

"Eight respondents referred to security issues in court buildings, including one who requested security screening be installed and another who requested that security screening be used throughout the day, not only at peak times.

"Other comments included a need to retain bar officers in court to increase security; inadequate security of chambers when the judicial office holder was in court; a need for better separation of different groups of court users when they are waiting in court; a need for more frequent checks of toilets; and too few staff in courts to keep good public order."

The report went on: "Twelve respondents commented on the need for improved or more regular police or other security presence in courtrooms.

"Specific comments included the occasional absence of court officers and police from court, the diminutive stature of some security officers who are with the accused in the dock, and the need for a regular police presence in JP courts."

In 2008 racist killer Michael Ross tried to flee the High Court in Glasgow after being found guilty of the murder of waiter Shamsudden Mahmood.

The Army sniper vaulted over the dock and raced through a side door with police in pursuit. He was tackled to the ground by a court official before he could escape into the streets.

The survey also saw five judicial officers admit to suffering stress due to heavy workload.

A Scottish Court Service spokesman said: "The SCS Board welcomes the responses given as part of the first-ever judicial survey commissioned on the views of members of the judiciary about the support provided by the SCS.

"The SCS considers security for judicial staff and all court users on all SCS property with the utmost importance and of paramount concern.

"The SCS has a dedicated Health, Safety and Security Committee, which includes a judicial member, and keeps security issues under constant review.

"Overall the survey found a large number of respondents were satisfied with the support provided by the SCS but any areas for improvement highlighted within the survey will be considered, including any concerns over security."