Apology saves vandal from court appearance

A VANDAL has escaped a court appearance for criminal damage after apologising to his victims.

The boy, from Goldthorpe, made his apology under a new scheme known as Restorative Justice in order to “make good” his offences.

The youngster admitted damaging property in the Goldthorpe area and agreed to apologise to those affected and pay £40 in compensation for the damage rather than appear in court.  

What do you think of the "restorative justice" idea? Do you think an apology and compensation is enough? Will it help deter further crime?

Pc Stuart Leadbeater, of Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Restorative justice is a relatively new scheme which is ideal for low-level crime. 

“The scheme encourages an offender to apologise to the victim and make good the damage caused or pay compensation as in this case.

“The aim of the scheme is that the offender will learn from the experience and be grateful they did not have to go through the court system.”