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Called ‘restorative justice’, offenders can experience first hand the amount of damage they’ve caused by putting it right.

Learning a lesson

One of the scheme’s success stories is Andrew, who smashed some lights in a car park whilst drunk.

As a result of his actions he painted the walls of the building and met with the car park manager – during the process his “eyes were opened” to the problems his vandalism caused.

“I was quite shocked how much it cost and how much time it took to get it all put back together again,” he said.

“I felt really bad about it and just wanted to help them get back as much as they could…I found it beneficial as I know I’m not going to go and do it again.”

Should the vandal fix this?

Only for the remorseful

Chantelle Rose, a restorative justice officer, explained that the scheme is only for the truly remorseful offenders who take full responsibility for their actions.

“It doesn’t necessarily come from me - sometimes it’ll be prisoners or offenders wanting to take part. If I feel that they’re suitable then I approach the victim,” said Chantelle.

'Completely voluntary'

“It’s completely voluntary on both sides,” she explained. “The idea is to help the victim, we don’t want to re-victimise and upset them more – it’s something positive.”

“Usually by the end of the process it’s something that everybody’s happy with and that’s what is so great about it.”

What do you think?

Do you think the restorative justice scheme is a good idea?

Do you think all offenders should be forced to right their wrongs?