THE Crown Prosecution Service in North Yorkshire successfully prosecuted 84 per cent of racially motivated crimes over the past year.

A total of 37 defendants were accused of racially motivated or aggravated crimes, an increase on last year's total of 30 defendants.

Of these, 31 were convicted, taking the county's success rate for prosecutions above the national average of 81 per cent.

Guilty pleas totalled 80 per cent compared to the national average of 70 per cent.

The majority of cases involved public order offences but convictions were also secured for assault and criminal damage.

Robert Turnbull, chief crown prosecutor for North Yorkshire, said: "This year's figures show an increase in the number of cases motivated by racist or religious hatred sent to us by the police over the previous year.

"Specialist prosecutors deal with all such cases and have ensured that the overall conviction rate in North Yorkshire remains higher than the national average, but we are by no means complacent.

"The most significant reason for cases failing after a prosecution had begun was the failure of witnesses to attend court to give evid- ence.

"We understand that it is difficult sometimes for people to come forward and give evidence.

"This year, we have created a dedicated witness care team to provide help and support to victims and witnesses and reduce the level of witness non-attendance."

Mr Turnbull added: "Through these measures and the dedication of our staff we will continue to prosecute robustly anyone who commits crimes with a racist or religious element."