Crime suspects tried to take more than 1,000 knives into courts in the Black Country and Staffordshire in the last two years – with many posted back to them for free after being confiscated, it emerged today.

The blades were seized by contracted security staff who guard metal detectors and use hand-held scanners to sweep defendants and visitors in search of weapons as they try to enter court buildings.

Security records revealed by the Ministry of Justice show 234 knives were taken into Wolverhampton Magistrates Court and 217 at Wolverhampton Crown Court — the highest number in the West Midlands.

A further 218 blades were confiscated at the two courts in Walsall, while 192 were taken in Stafford and 151 in Dudley.

Cannock Magistrates Court seized 64 blades and 22 were taken in West Bromwich.

The data covers September 2008 to September this year.

Illegal knives more than three inches long are retained by security staff and handed over to police.

But the Ministry of Justice admitted it posts smaller, legal knives back to their owners free of charge if they complete a short written application, regardless of whether the person carrying it was convicted of a violent offence.

Sharps like Stanley knives can legally be carried but are prohibited inside court.

The records also show that alcohol had to be confiscated 955 times while tools, cameras and voice recorders were also seized.

Mark Kram, spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, said today: “Whether they get the items back depends on if they are legal. If it’s tools, cameras, recording equipment, or alcohol they are handed back.

“Illegal items like firearms and knives longer than three inches are retained and the police are contacted. Knives under three inches are given back on application.

“Her Majesty’s Court Service takes the issue of security within courts extremely seriously and has a rigorous system in place, including mandatory bag searches, bag scanners, metal detectors and surveillance cameras to ensure the safety of all court users.”