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27
Mar 2023
Harrogate district criminals could apologise to victims rather than go to court
Criminals could meet their victims to apologise rather than go to court under a new restorative justice agreement in North Yorkshire.
The Community Remedy document aims to give victims of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour a greater say in how offenders should be held account.
The updated document was agreed by Chief Constable Lisa Winward and Zoë Metcalfe, the Conservative North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, after a six-week public consultation.
It lists actions that can be carried out without court proceedings by criminals who admit their wrongdoing.
The options include bringing victims and criminals together "in a safe and supported way" to allow greater understanding of each other.
Other options include criminals giving verbal or written apologies or signing acceptable behaviour contracts in which they pledge to improve their behaviour.
Those guilty of offences could also engage in reparations by repairing or paying for damage caused or litter picking, or agree to attend anger management programmes or mediation.
Ms Metcalfe urged victims to "carefully consider using the options so that offending can be addressed and community safety restored", adding:
Read more:
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Chief Constable Winward said Community Remedy "can be a more meaningful resolution to some victims and perpetrators than other criminal justice outcomes and can be more effective in keeping people safe and feeling safe". She added:
Community Remedy will only be used when criminals admit their offence and both parties agree to take part.
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