Child 'judges' to sentence peers

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Children as young as 10 are to act as judges in cases involving other young people who have behaved anti-socially, under the first UK scheme of its kind.

The project in Preston, Lancs, will see children judging those behind behaviour such as bullying and vandalism.

Offenders could be ordered to pay cash, clear up their vandalism or write a letter of apology to their victims.

Crime reduction charity Nacro said the peer panels would help young people to understand the impact of their actions.

Special training

The scheme will target a range of anti-social behaviour, including graffiti and binge drinking.

By involving young people we can develop strong local communities Michael BartonLancashire Constabulary

An Acceptable Behaviour Contract, which is similar to an Anti-social Behaviour Order (Asbo), will also be drawn up.

The £487,000 project will provide special training and help from adults to the "judges".

Nacro chief executive Paul Cavadino said: "Being judged by other young people can have a far more positive and long-lasting effect than feeling targeted by the authorities."

Chief Superintendent Michael Barton, of Lancashire Constabulary, said it was important that the public was shown that restorative justice was not a "soft option".

"By involving young people we can develop strong local communities," he added.

The police, Nacro and Preston City Council are involved in the project.