Victims of crime are seeing more offenders brought to justice, according to a report on the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service in Sussex.

The report, published by Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) found that CPS Sussex performed well in most areas.

The assessment process provides a benchmark for the CPS's performance in 14 aspects of work, five of which are categorised as critical.

Each of the aspects is assessed as being excellent, good, fair or poor. The area is then assessed on its overall performance.

The overall performance assessment of CPS Sussex was "good".

The targets for reducing the level of ineffective trials in Crown Court, bringing offenders to justice and processing persistent young offenders (71 days from arrest to sentence) were all met in 2004-05. However, CPS Sussex did not meet its target for reducing the level of ineffective trials in magistrates' courts.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for Sussex, Sarah Jane Gallagher, said: "It is reassuring to see that the substantial efforts being made by our staff are paying off in terms of greater justice for the victims of crime and more offences brought to justice.

"I am particularly pleased that Sussex CPS was assessed as good in relation to its handling of sensitive and hate crimes."

Sussex was commended for its effective leadership and financial management, HMCPSI noting that it has demonstrated that it "keenly followed" value for money principles.

Ms Gallagher said: "Those aspects highlighted for improvement have already been the subject of much remedial work. Our move to the Statutory Charging scheme in November, whereby CPS lawyers advise police officers on cases at the police station prior to a suspect being charged, is assisting in raising the number of successful outcomes.

"Whilst accepting that there is always room for improvement, overall I am heartened by the Inspectorate's findings and I am confident that the continuing efforts and commitment from staff in Sussex CPS put us well on the way to addressing all aspects of the report."

Stephen Wooler, HM Chief Inspector of the CPS, said: "This is an encouraging assessment for those who are served by CPS Sussex.

"The overall quality of casework is good and the area's finances are well managed. The area should build on its good performance and this assessment to improve even further.