According to the latest Home Office figures, the average time for 2003 was 66 days - two days below the 2002 figure and five days below the target set out in the Government's manifesto pledge in 1997. The pledge aimed to halve the figure from 142 days in 1996 to 71 days by May 2002.
Despite the success, a Home Office spokesman said the Government did not intend to shorten the target in the foreseeable future. He said: "This target is important to ensure the public has confidence in the criminal justice system.
It is a good example of all criminal justice agencies joining up and working together effectively to bring young offenders to justice and we have achieved our aims."
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