Community sentencing scheme ends some offences

Jan 14 2010 by Nick Moreton, Crosby Herald

“The problem solving court has been deemed to be very successful.

“It targets those offenders who are likely to get a community order and are just on the cusp of custody.

“We ask them why they are offending, then ask the agencies to devise a plan to help them.

“We try to work with them to improve their lives.

“You are often talking about third generation drug and alcohol abusers, people whose grandparents and parents had serious problems.

“The police are now reporting a 66% reduction in offending levels as a result of the problem solving court, so we can definitely make a difference, and we’re proud of the fact that it’s being talked about nationally.

“The Trust is known as a creative and innovative organisation and we still believe we can make a big difference.”

Mrs Earlam also denied that community orders are seen as a “soft touch”.

She said: “If you think about what’s required of the offenders then you can see it’s not an easy option.

“And having to put on a high visibility jacket and work in the community is not easy.”