A Burglary In Southampton

"When the police told me about Restorative Justice, I was interested straight away and they referred me to the Restorative Justice service.

I told the Restorative Justice team that I would like them to speak with Phil, the offender, before I met with them, to see if he was also willing to get involved in Restorative Justice. Once they confirmed that he was also interested, the team started the preparation process with both of us separately.

Phil was still in custody at the time, so the Restorative Justice meeting took place in prison. The team arranged a visit with me to the prison ahead of the conference so that I could see what the meeting venue was like.

During the meeting I could have asked all the questions I wanted, but on the day I didn’t feel the need to ask some of them. 

I told Phil that I was moving house as a result of the offence being committed and I could see how this affected him. He apologised to me - I really felt his apology was genuine. I felt reassured that I wasn't targeted and that the offence wasn’t personal. I felt I understood what had happened and I heard what Phil planned to do when released from prison. 

I was pleasantly surprised by how sorry Phil was and the emotion he displayed. I told him I sincerely hoped he could turn things around and wouldn't continue to offend. The meeting was very emotionally intense and powerful. Phil showed me a huge amount of respect which I appreciated and his heartfelt apologies were accepted by me after hearing his story and background. 

I would never have expected to leave the meeting with feelings of sympathy replacing my old feelings of anger. I still feel sad that it had to happen though. It was helpful to hear that he wants to pay his debt to society then move forward into a new chapter in his life… he fully embraced Restorative Justice. All credit to the facilitators for their professional approach and friendliness.

When the Restorative Justice team visited me a few days later, I told them that the process had been very powerful and it was a huge experience for me. I felt that Phil knew he had done wrong and that the apology was genuine. I am so pleased that I took part in the process. The preparation for the meeting was vital and was completely appropriate. The facilitators were brilliant."

If you are interested in participating in Restorative Justice in Hampshire you can call our team on 0800 043 8785 or you can email us at hiow@restorativesolutions.org.uk.

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Case Studies

A Burglary In Southampton

"When the police told me about Restorative Justice, I was interested straight away and they referred me to the Restorative Justice service.

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A Residential Burglary on the Isle of Wight

Three offenders entered a residential property on the Isle of Wight on numerous occasions during the evening and early morning, searched rooms, and stole property.

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Assault Resulting in ABH

A male had intervened to prevent a domestic assault, and had himself been badly assaulted by the offender, causing ABH injuries.

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Conspiracy to Burgle

This case was referred to our service via the Officer In Charge as the harmer had contacted him wishing to try to apologise to the harmed.

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Indirect Restorative Justice Following Sexual Assault

A victim’s father-in-law sexually assaulted her during a family event.

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Injury By Dangerous Driving

The offender, Sam*, had committed the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

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Neighbours' Dispute

A neighbours’ dispute had been occurring between John*, who owned a house adjoining a public right of way, and Frank*, who was the son of the owner of a plot of land opposite John’s house, for many years.

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Non-Recent Child Sexual Abuse

The offences against Joshua were of a sexual nature and were committed in the 1980s, when Joshua was aged between 10 and 15 years old.

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Residential Burglaries in Hampshire

Watch this video about how Restorative Justice brought peace to a burglary victim.

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Restorative Conversation Following Theft

A restorative conversation took place with a victim following the theft of her pushchair, which was locked with a chain in the hallway of flats.

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Road Rage Assault

The victim had been tailgated by the harmer, who then assaulted him after indicating for the victim to pull into a lay-by.

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Rosalyn's Story

Rosalyn shares her experience of Restorative Justice.

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Theft From An Elderly Couple

An older couple were being looked after by their cousin, who stole over £7,000 from them.

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Threat of Assault

An offender threatened a victim with a baseball bat outside his home.

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Transphobic Comments

A victim received messages via Snapchat that were transphobic in nature and caused distress.

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What People Say About Restorative Justice

The facilitators have been wonderful. I feel stronger than I did. I would really recommend Restorative Justice.

Debbie, victim

I hope that she would understand that I know what I’ve done was wrong and I’ve learnt from my actions.

Ryan, offender

I had my opportunity to discuss the incident and also to meet the offender in person.

Leighton, victim

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