Criminals were being sentenced and trials conducted at Kingston Crown Court as the remaining staff attempted to keep the wheels of justice turning.

A message on the court's reception desk said it was endeavouring to ensure a normal service.

It said: "Efforts will focus on maintaining essential services however some routine work may be subject to delay."

Outside the court, clerk Maria Christophy, on a picket line for the first time in her 11 year career, feared pensions would be the start.

She said: "I'm very worried about the future."

Only one courtroom was fully closed, although the number of cases was reduced, as many ushers and clerks were on strike.

Inside one courtroom, Judge Georgina Kent told a jury: "We have a court clerk and an usher today. That is more than most courts are getting."

Magistrates' courts at Richmond, Battersea and Balham were closed, with cases only being heard at Wimbledon.