THE proportion of criminal prosecutions resulting in a conviction in Waltham Forest is lower than the London and UK average, a report published today has revealed.

The report by Her Majesty's Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) also describes inspectors' concerns about the quality of Waltham Forest Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) decision-making, with case management problems not being spotted early enough.

The HMCPSI inspection revealed that just 83.8 per cent of magistrates court cases and 70.2 per cent of crown court cases in the borough resulted in a conviction. This is lower than the London averages of 85.9 per cent and 72.7 per cent respectively.

The report found that the borough's CPS needs to improve its preparation of magistrates' court cases and its provision of information to victims and witnesses.

It also found that outcomes for violent, sexual and hate crimes are “not encouraging”, but decisions in those types of cases are generally sound.

Although inspectors say the service is improving, they awarded an overall rating of 'fair' – the second lowest possible.

Lionel Idan, Waltham Forest district crown prosecutor, said: “The inspectorate has recognised that the borough is charging cases fairly and applying the Code for Crown Prosecutors correctly in the majority of cases.

“I acknowledge that we need to allow time to ensure cases are as strong as possible when they reach court.

“I feel that if we can improve the preparation of cases and provide a better service to victims and witnesses we will see conviction rates rise in both magistrates’ and crown courts.

The report awarded “good” ratings for its prosecution of cases at court and for ensuring custody time limits are not breached.

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