A putrid stench at the multi-million dollar Nassau and South Streets Court Complex yesterday left many defendants pinching their noses, several cases adjourned and a top judge apologising for the inconvenience.

Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt told her courtroom that the courthouse was experiencing plumbing problems.

“There is a malodorous smell clouding the air,” she said.

She apologised to members of the public and informed the courtroom that she had taken steps to notify the relevant authorities.

The judge then proceeded to adjourn a number of matters, noting that she would not be able to continue in the facility.

As suspects were brought into the courtroom from other sections of the courthouse they held their shirts over their noses.

Many people inside the courthouse could be heard coughing and gasping for air.

A stenographer also coughed repeatedly as she walked through the halls where the scent was strongest.

The plumbing issues caused foul smelling water to leak on the floors.

The Bahama Journal contacted the Attorney General’s Office yesterday and officials there said they were not aware of the situation.

The 12-court magistrates’ complex has been plagued with problems ever since it opened.

Over the years, workers at the court have had to deal with leaky roofs, severe flooding and mold and mildew.