A DRUG rehab programme that aims to help criminals in Swindon rather than send them to prison is failing in the majority of cases.

A report by independent watchdog the National Audit Office found that 75 per cent of offenders were dropping off the scheme.

Under the programme, courts can hand down Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) instead of sending offenders to prison.

The aim is to help addicts beat their habits and break out of the cycle of crime.

But the report found that last year just six out of 24 criminals put on the scheme in Wiltshire completed the course of treatment.

That puts the county less than half-way up a league table for helping drug offenders.

The list was topped by Dorset, which was twice as effective as Wiltshire.

According to the study, many offenders breach their DTTOs by taking drugs or failing to attend treatment sessions, and then refuse to reappear in court because they face jail.

Instead, they remain at large, often committing more crimes.

The report also warns that money is being thrown away, and court resources wasted, each time an order fails.

The orders stipulate that addicts must attend treatment sessions.

Among the agencies involved in the scheme is Druglink in Victoria Road.

Although recognising that they could be better, manager David Cork said the results were encouraging.

He said: "The success rate is maybe six out of 24, but that is still six people who have changed their lives, and I think that should be applauded.

"Most addicts have to go into treatment several times before they can beat their habit."

Sir John Bourn, head of the NAO, made an urgent call for the set-up to be reformed.

He said: "The orders can help some offenders turn their lives around and reduce their use of drugs.

"However, the high drop out rate, and evidence from pilots of a high rate of reconviction, need to be addressed."

Sir John criticised the Government for placing too much importance on getting addicts on the programme, rather than on making the programme itself a success.

Tamash Lal