Youth justice may be handed to adult prisoners

Prison governor says crime prevention key

"Meaningful rehabilitation" enjoyed by juvenile criminals should be extended to adult prisoners too - according to the Island's prison governor.

Bob McColm says talks have begun to provide adult criminals with encouragement into employment, education or training - using restorative justice methods.

Under 18s are handed cautions, final warnings and dedicated referral schemes for drugs, alcohol, assault and driving offences.

As a result, crime recorded by that age group has significantly reduced on Island - in March last year, only 270 referrals were recorded, compared with 412 in 2012.  

The Youth Justice Team is led by police as part of a multi-agency team across the departments of Home Affairs and Health and Social Care.

Bob McColm says crime prevention is key.