I am not interested in just tinkering with structures

Home Secretary David Blunkett

"I am not interested in just tinkering with structures, however. People need to be at the heart of the criminal justice system, not institutions or vested interests.

"For decades the public has seen the whole system as being on the side of lawbreakers, not the victims."

Mr Blunkett argued that the existing system treated victims badly, provided a poor conviction rate, and failed to deal effectively with those found guilty.

Having proper sentencing for criminals, particularly violent and sexual offenders, was vital, he said.

There would be tougher sentences and tighter, longer supervision on release for sex offenders.

Blunkett's aims

More efficient prosecution Better informed victims More effective punishments Better rehabilitation of criminals

Mr Blunkett said the wider programme of reform would oblige all the agencies - the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts, probation service and prison service - to work more closely together.

The results should include more efficient prosecution, better informed victims, more effective punishments, and more successful rehabilitation of criminals.

Mr Blunkett, who on Monday will also unveil details of a new code on stop-and-search procedures and policing priority areas, insisted: "I want to put the victim first."

Sir John called for wholesale changes to the system

Mr Blunkett's comments were foreshadowed by calls last week from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens.

He said anarchy threatened unless there were wholesale changes to the "appalling" criminal justice system.

Sir John criticised defence lawyers and judges for allowing repeat violent offenders back on to the streets too easily, and treating witnesses and victims with contempt.

He said on Saturday that the system must be changed to help victims and witnesses who were currently so disenchanted by the system they were refusing to help police again.

However, his comments raised the ire of defence lawyers, who described them as "extreme" and said police administration lay behind most of the problems.