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Letter to the Times on the use of restorative justice as a response to the UK riots (12 August 2011)

12 August 2011

Sir,

Over the last week people will have been shocked by the way young people trashed and looted their own neighbourhoods. Whatever sentences are meted out, both the offenders and the victims will continue to live together in these communities. We must start to repair this harm. The rioters should be confronted with the real human impact of their behaviour. The victims and communities affected should be given a say, alongside the sentencing process, in how they can make amends.

Restorative justice is a means of doing this; it brings everyone involved in a crime together to talk about the impact, and what needs to happen to repair the harm caused. This is not a soft option. Restorative justice is very popular amongst victims and can help those hurt by crime feel a sense of closure. Importantly, it reduces the likelihood of reoffending, and can make substantial reductions in repeat offending for violent and property crime.

The current Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill should be amended to ensure all victims of crime are offered restorative justice pre-sentence. This will enable a more effective and constructive response.

Vicki Helyar-Cardwell
Director, Criminal Justice Alliance

Lizzie Nelson
Director, Restorative Justice Council