THIS year saw a drop in crime and youth offending, according to the Magistrate, Ian Le Marquand.

He said that although four per cent more cases had been through the court in 2005 than in 2004, speeding charges appeared to account for most of the increase.

In his customary Christmas speech, Mr Le Marquand said that it had been a good year for the court and that they were on track to move into the new building next to Cyril Le Marquand House in February.

But he sounded a warning note about drink-related crime: ‘There continues to be great concern in relation to the level of violence and public disorder which results directly from drunkenness on licensed premises,’ he said.

‘Although the numbers of such cases are about the same in 2005 and 2004, it is the level of violence involved in some of the attacks which causes great concern.

Our society continues to be far too tolerant of drunkenness on its streets, and I still do not see any indication of any serious political will to address this issue.’