The toll of kids prosecuted for being "drunk and disorderly" has fallen by up to 80 per cent in the past decade.

In England and Wales the overall decline was 17 per cent but in Cleveland it was 79 per cent, and 70 in Merseyside, Essex and Cheshire.

Shadow police reform minister David Ruffley , who revealed the figures, said: "People who are drunk and disorderly should face up to it in court, not just get a slap on the wrist."