Ministers want more and tougher community sentences as part of an overhaul of criminal justice The government is being urged to end Crown Court trials for children in England and Wales.
Two independent groups want most child suspects dealt with by restorative justice “conferences”, where victims would help decide outcomes.
Even the most serious cases, such as murder, should be heard in a youth court rather than Crown Court, say the Police Foundation and Justice.
The government has its own less radical plans to use more restorative justice.
It proposes its use to deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Police Foundation and Justice report argues that most allegations involving 10- to 17-year-olds should be resolved in conferences involving the alleged offender, victim, family members, police and social workers.
The report suggests this approach should reduce reoffending, improve victims’ confidence and save court time and custody costs.
It adds that restorative justice has been successfully introduced as a “key component” of the youth justice system in Northern Ireland.
The groups also say no child should face trial at Crown Court, which currently hear cases involving young people charged with “grave crimes” such as murder, firearms and sexual offences.
The report says the surroundings, procedures and language of the Crown Court are designed for adults.
The most serious cases should be heard in youth courts, which are less formal, in front of a reduced number of jurors, it is argued.
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