Youngsters to decide sanctions for first-offending peers in community court planned for Lymington and New Milton

TEENAGERS could help decide sanctions for first-time young offenders in a new “community court” planned for the Lymington and New Milton area.

Hampshire police is looking to recruit volunteers aged 14-25 to hold peer-led hearings with those aged 10-17 who have admitted low-level crimes.

The youth-led restorative practice programme intends to support both offenders and their victims, the force said, and is not a substitute for criminal courts.

Young offenders – known as respondents rather than defendants – would be involved, along with their families and any victims wishing to attend.

Each hearing would aim to establish what harm has been caused and how it can be repaired or put right.

A Hampshire police spokesperson explained: “The community court only deals with young people who have admitted their crime and are willing to engage with a restorative outcome.

“Although court in name, the programme does not determine innocence or guilt nor is it there to substitute the criminal courts.”

The force vowed the scheme would operate in line with restorative justice (RJ) guidelines and the Victim Code, and be in partnership with youth services and New Forest District Council.

After hearing from the respondent and the victim, the young panel would decide the best course of action.

Sanctions could range from writing an apology letter or saying sorry to victims in person, to accepting drug diversion referrals or carrying out activities like litter picks in town centres.

But outcomes will not result in convictions, with referrals instead made by issuing a community resolution.

“This is about giving the victim a voice and allowing a young person to understand how their actions have made a victim feel so they can put things right,” the force spokesperson added.

The idea has been welcomed by senior councillors in Lymington, where there have been complaints about anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Previous incidents have included disturbances at Lymington Sports Ground, off Avenue Road, with a changing room window smashed, and stands and dug-outs damaged.

Town mayor Cllr James Hoare told the A&T: “We should do all we can to reintegrate young offenders into the community and give them a second chance as long as any scheme is done in a safe and proper manner which, as it’s being organised by the police, I’m sure it will be.

“Most definitely I would be a supporter of it.”

Calling the plan “excellent”, town and district councillor Anne Corbridge added: “There’s nothing like peer pressure to dissuade young people from anti-social behaviour.”

Youngsters wishing to volunteer for the court panel can email community.court@hampshire.police.uk for more information and an application form.

A start date or exact location for the community court has not yet been set, with the force saying training of volunteers would commence once sufficient numbers come forward.

The idea comes as figures collated by the Howard League for Penal Reform campaign group showed child arrests in Hampshire and Dorset have plummeted over a 10-year period.

Hampshire police made 3,283 child arrests in 2020, compared to 3,917 the year before and 8,267 in 2010 – a 60% drop in 10 years.

Meanwhile, Dorset made 2,310 arrests in 2010. In 2020 the number was almost 80% lower at 485.

Howard League chief executive Frances Crook said: “Every child deserves the chance to grow and fulfil their potential, and we must do all we can to ensure that they are not held back by a criminal record.”