A GROUP of security guards working at a Suffolk magistrates' court have been suspended for allegedly posing for pictures with comedian Jimmy Carr.

A GROUP of security guards working at a Suffolk magistrates' court have been suspended for allegedly posing for pictures with comedian Jimmy Carr.

It has emerged four guards who were called in to step-up the security operation on Carr's court appearance in Sudbury are now subject to disciplinary procedures.

It is believed they have been taken off their duties under the charge of “gross misconduct”.

The popular comic hints at the episode on May 13 on his official Twitter page with a post which reads: “Weirdly all the security asked for photos. It was very friendly.”

He also linked in a picture of a court sign, situated inside the building on the first floor, in the 'tweet' which said it was an offence to take a picture inside a court building. The stand-up star was later cleared of any wrong doing by court officials who said the wording of the sign was out of date and have since said it will now be replaced.

Police said it was only a criminal offence if parties involved in the proceedings appeared in the picture. But last night they were unable to comment on the situation in light of the latest revelation.

All of the guards are employed by Mitie, the second largest manned guarding company in the UK, and hold the contract for all of Her Majesty's courts.

In West Suffolk Magistrates' Courts two guards are usually requested to cover an average daily court list but in the event of a high profile defendant such as Carr more are bought in to cope with anticipated media coverage.

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Court Service told the EADT: “Four security guards employed by Mitie have been suspended and are subject to Mitie's disciplinary procedures. That is all we will be saying on the matter.”

Carr, 36, of north London, was due to stand trial for a speeding offence at Sudbury Magistrates' Court but his lawyer Nick Freeman, known as 'Mr Loophole', managed to halt the proceedings after an hour-and-a-half of legal discussion.

Carr is due back at Sudbury Magistrates' Court for the start of his speeding trial at a date yet to be arranged. He denies the offence.

Mitie declined to comment.