A U.S. judge on Wednesday said she was leaning toward ordering a federal takeover of New York City's Rikers Island jail complex, after finding the city had failed to improve violent conditions that put inmates and staff at risk.

A judge found New York City in contempt of an agreement meant to improve jail conditions, setting the stage for a receivership.

A judge's scathing ruling Wednesday moves New York City's troubled Rikers Island jail complex a step closer to a federal takeover. Judge Laura Taylor Swain found the city and the Department of Correction in civil contempt over 18 separate claims of failing to rectify use of force and safety issues.

The finding was a landmark in a court case that has stretched out over more than a decade. Plans for a receivership of New York City’s jails will be heard on Jan. 14.

The judge found that conditions have only continued to worsen at the jail complex, setting up a potential federal takeover.

A federal judge on Wednesday found New York City in contempt for failing to address violence and deteriorating conditions at its jails.

US District Judge Laura Taylor Swain in Manhattan said the city had placed incarcerated people in “unconstitutional danger” by failing to comply with 18 separate provisions of court orders pertaining to security,

A judge ruled New York City is now in contempt over "grave" conditions at the Rikers Island prison complex, with a federal takeover of the system now seen increasingly as likely in a years-long legal battle.

The judge said the city had placed incarcerated people in “unconstitutional danger” by failing to comply with 18 separate provisions of court orders pertaining to security, staffing, supervision, use of force and the safety of young detainees.