Youngsters aged 12 and 11 to write apology letters after causing damage to Swanwick park

The playhouse at Beaulieu Way play area on Buckingham Close in the village was damaged by vandals in June and graffiti also daubed across areas of the park.

A police appeal to catch the culprits was issued and a resident recognised one of the offenders and contacted police.

Three youngsters admitted causing the damage and in agreement with Amber Valley Borough Council, the offenders and their parents, a Restorative Justice disposal was proposed by PCSO Richard Plant.

Restorative Justice sees offenders apologise for their crime and help repair any damage or carry out community work instead of going through the courts.

Now the boys, two aged 12 and one aged 11, will each write a letter of apology to council staff to compensate for their actions.

PCSO Plant, from the area’s Safer Neighbourhood team, said: “The three young boys were very remorseful of their actions and knew what they did was wrong. They were given strong words of advice from me and their parents have been incredibly supportive of the Restorative Justice approach and have taken their own steps regarding punishment.

“I hope this incident serves as a lesson to the youngsters and they understand how the situation could have been much worse for them if the victim had not have been happy to accept Restorative Justice as an apology. The boys could have faced charges in youth court and I am happy that we were able to resolve this issue outside of court.”

People can find out more about Restorative Justice by visiting http://www.derbyshire.police.uk/About-us/Our-Commitment/Restorative-Justice.aspx.

To speak to a local Safer Neighbourhood team call 101. Folk can also follow @SomercotesSNT on Twitter to keep up to date with policing in their area.