A delay has been caused to the government and forced them to delay the publication of a series of criminal justice statistics.  The cause was the failings of two Whitehall IT systems which were delivered late and millions of pounds over budget.  The ministry of justice announced yesterday that instead of next month, annual sentencing figures will now be published next year.  For 2008 Publication of the Criminal Statistics showed how many people went through the court systems including cautions, on – the spot fines and motoring offences.  The data quality issue behind the delay was due to minor offences and how they are recorded on Libra – another IT system designed for the magistrate’s course which was too delayed by 7 years and cost 3 times more than expected.