Figures published by the Ministry of Justice show that nearly three quarters of out of court disposals consisted of community resolution orders last year, an increase of 56 per cent on 2015’s figure.

The orders are meant to deal with low-level crimes and resolutions may include apologies or reparations. The order does not result in a criminal record.

The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) said the increasing use of the orders was “disturbing”.

Caroline Goodwin QC, chair of the CBA, said: “Contrary to their original purpose and clear guidance given by police chiefs at the time, community resolutions are increasingly being used to dispose of more serious crime.

“We know that offences ranging from arson to violent crimes, burglary, drug trafficking and even some sexual assaults have been dealt with by community resolutions, which many may argue runs contrary to their original purpose.

“Many of these more serious offences should be dealt with in a courtroom and yet the increased use of resolution orders comes when reported crimes remain stubbornly high, with some serious crimes involving weapons on the increase and yet police are having to grapple with years of cuts to their own resources.”