Victims of anti-social behaviour to 'decide how offenders are punished'

 
Gang crime: Negus McClean, 15, was stabbed in a frenzied attack by a pack of youths
13 December 2012
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Victims of anti-social behaviour will be put in the "driving seat" to determine how offenders are punished, under new plans unveiled by the Government.

Those who suffer at the hands of nuisance neighbours will be able to choose from a list of out-of-court penalties handed down to tackle low level crime.

The Community Remedy reform forms part of a shake-up of anti-social behaviour powers designed to replace Labour's Asbos which have been described as a badge of honour among certain groups of offenders.

Under the draft bill, victims will be able to select a punishment agreed with their local Police and Crime Commissioner for offences including low level criminal damage or assault without injury, where a prison term is not applicable.

The scheme will be tailored to local areas and has been "designed to put the public in the driving seat", the Home Office said.

Punishments include: paying compensation to the victim; repairing damage or cleaning graffiti off a wall; up to 10 hours of local unpaid work; or participation in alcohol or drug treatment schemes.

Victims could also request "mediation" to help resolve a dispute with neighbours while offenders may be asked to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

If they do not agree to the community remedy, they could face civil or criminal sanctions.

Crime prevention minister Jeremy Browne said the reforms would "place power back in the hands of the people".

He added: "Victims of anti-social behaviour and low level crime often feel powerless but now we are giving victims back their voice.

"This new power will mean visible justice, straight away, providing transparency to the public, who rightly want to see fair and meaningful punishments."

The Home Office has launched a consultation asking both members of the public and frontline professionals to share their views on the scheme before it becomes law.

It follows the publication of a white paper in May which aimed to put an end to the horror stories of victims such as Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter Francecca Hardwick, 18, in 2007 following 10 years of sustained abuse.

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