Sir Allen Stanford, who is accused of operating a $7bn Ponzi scheme, has spent the past three weeks handcuffed, shackled and confined to a cell at a detention centre 48 miles north of Houston, Texas.

While awaiting trial on charges ranging from securities fraud to bribery, Sir Allen, sporting a bright orange suit, has only been allowed to speak to visitors – including his attorneys – through a protective glass barrier, under the watchful eyes of prison wardens.