Restorative justice could be the way forward

A rehabilitation scheme is the way forward for many Isle of Man prisoners.

That is the belief of the Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson, who says restorative justice has to be at the forefront as his department explores alternative approaches to sentencing.

The department’s criminal justice strategy aims to reduce re-offending and offer more support to victims, witnesses and vulnerable people in the system.

Mr Watterson says while imprisonment is the only punishment for certain offences, it is important to challenge some of the traditional methods.