Teenager set to repay football club after vandalism

A 15-year-old boy will pay to repair the damage he caused at Verwood Football Club as a result of the incident being dealt with by way of a Restorative Reprimand.

Seventeen spectator seats at Verwood Football Club, Potterne Park, were vandalised on 27 July 2009 and the damage was estimated at more than £180. A local 15-year-old boy admitted causing the damage.

In consultation with the football club, it was agreed that the matter should be dealt with by way of the new Restorative Reprimand scheme, which is being pioneered by Dorset Police.

Representatives of the football club, Verwood Leisure Centre, the 15-year-old offender and his father, attended a Restorative Justice Conference in August which was facilitated by PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Louise Hamilton.

During an emotional meeting, the offender apologised and suggested that he would repay the money with earnings from his part-time job. He has been asked to repay the money by November.

The 15-year-old also agreed to carry out additional work, clearing-up for the football club.

PCSO Hamilton said: “It’s not the first time that Verwood Football Club has been subject to this type of damage but this has been a positive outcome for an incident, which has real significance in this community

“I am very pleased with how it has been resolved and I have no doubt whatsoever that all money will be repaid in full and on time.

“We take all incidents seriously and anyone who is responsible for such damage will be held to account by the people involved.”

A Restorative Reprimand is issued by the police for low-level crimes committed by young people aged 10 to 17 years old but unlike a usual reprimand, it uses Restorative Justice to bring together the offender and the victim to try to make things right.

An offence can only be dealt with by a Restorative Reprimand if the offender has admitted guilt.

This also means that the young person committing this type of minor crime must face up to the consequences of their actions while not receiving a criminal record.