PERSISTENT young offenders are being hauled before the courts and dealt with in one of the quickest times in the country.
Latest figures from the West Mercia Criminal Justice Board, show that the average time it takes to deal with a persistent young offender, from the time of arrest to the time the case is over in court, is 63 days compared to 69 days nationally.
The Government, under its new criminal justice system, says these offenders must be dealt within 71 days.
The region's criminal justice board has the 13th quickest rate for processing persistent young offenders in the country.
Jim England, chairman of West Mercia Criminal Justice Board, said the 2002 figures showed a move in the right direction.
"Persistent young offenders are a considerable nuisance," said Mr England.
"They commit a large number of offences and by bringing them to justice quicker, they don't have the opportunity to re-offend while they wait to be dealt with by the court.
"We have been working with other agencies such as the courts, the police, youth offending teams and the probation service.
"This demonstrates that by working together we can achieve not just these Government targets but hope this methodology will help us narrow the justice gap."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article