WITNESSES are too frightened to attend court to give evidence against criminals, new research has found.

Findings from a study in County Durham and Darlington also revealed many people believe criminals will not be caught or will be handed a lenient sentence.

Despite Durham Constabulary having one of the best detection rates in the country, preliminary results show residents have low levels of confidence in the justice system and are influenced by television dramas such as The Bill.

The Local Criminal Justice Board in the region is the first in the country to carry out a detailed public consultation to improve care for witnesses and victims.

Two witness care units, one in Peterlee, County Durham, and another in the south of the county, will be set up by next March.

The initial results are from two pilot studies of residents aged between 35 and 64, that were carried out in Darlington and Stanhope, Weardale.

Durham Chief Crown Prosecutor Portia Ragnauth said: "They are afraid of the system. It is quite nerve-wracking for witnesses and victims.

"What we are hoping is with the witness care units we can iron out these problems."

Other findings revealed many people thought more care was given to criminals rather than the public and going to court was time-consuming and frustrating.

Steven Orange, divisional crown prosecutor for North Durham, said in many cases, such as domestic violence, victims were too afraid to go to court, allowing their attackers to go free. But recent changes in how a victim can give evidence and introduction of lawyers in police stations had made a difference.

Mr Orange said: "We had a recent case at Durham Crown Court where the attacker was sentenced to 18 months. His victim had been afraid to come to court on numerous occasions but the lawyer talked through what would happen, her evidence was videotaped and she also gave evidence on a TV link in court."

He added: "We want people to know it is not just lip service. It is a living reality and we are committed to making changes."