THE Crown Prosecution Service for West Mercia has come under fire for failing to review cases effectively, particularly those in the magistrates court, and not being ready for trials.

This has led to a "relatively high" number having to be adjourned on the day fixed for trial.

The findings, contained in its latest inspection report come a week after the CPS denied having problems at Worcester Magistrates Court, which was brought to a standstill on Friday, June 14 because of too few prosecutors.

Office manager Rob Munslow said the oversight, which kept furious defence lawyers, witnesses and victims waiting around for hours, had only happened once in 15 months and was because they were only told the day before how many were needed.

Although the report acknowledges a general provision of good quality service to courts and court users, the CPS' standard was often jeopardised by "a lack of proper review or preparation".

Its "quality" of prosecutors was also brought into question, as was its commitment to promoting racial equality, which was said to "require more attention".

On the other hand, the Service, which has offices in Droitwich and Shrewsbury, was praised for bettering the Government's 71-day target for dealing with persistent young offenders.

And according the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate report, it has improved public confidence and treatment of victims and witnesses since 2000, implementing the Direct Communication with Victims initiative.

Chief crown prosecutor for the area, Jim England said that, overall, he was encouraged by the findings.

"Work has already started to address the recommendations and I'm very proud of everyone at CPS West Mercia in contributing to our improved performance," he said.