MORE than a third of court financial penalties imposed in the North-East go unpaid, according to an official report.

The Commons Public Accounts Committee revealed that Cleveland performed even worse, with only 54 percent of orders for fines, court costs and compensation paid in full during 2001 to 2002 - leaving 46 per cent unpaid.

During the same period, 70 per cent of penalties imposed were in arrears.

The Cleveland Police area was the worst performing in the region, but Northumbria performed only a little better, with 62 per cent of penalties being paid, and an arrears rate of 46 per cent.

Durham and North Yorkshire performed better, each having penalty payment rates of 75 per cent - only 25 per cent remaining unpaid, compared with the national average of 40 per cent.

The payment of court fines is "almost voluntary" in many parts of England and Wales, the committee said.

Nationally, about 40 per cent of financial penalties imposed by magistrates and crown courts, including compensation orders and costs as well as fines, go unpaid.

The MPs said victims only received compensation when an offender paid the court. The report recommends a new fund from which they could be paid immediately.