CRIMINAL justice agencies from across Cheshire came together last week to show their commitment to restorative justice at an event organised by the county’s police and crime commissioner.

David Keane and Remedi – the service which the commissioner funds to facilitate the scheme in Cheshire – united with different organisations to understand how the process can help victims while reducing reoffending.

PCC David Keane said: “One of the gaps in the traditional punishment system is that there is not always closure for the victim following the crime.

“Restorative justice gives both victims the opportunity to question why the offence took place and also challenges the offender to face up to the personal impact of their crime. It is about repairing harm.

“So far we have made great progress in growing restorative practices across Cheshire, through accredited training delivered across multi-agency partners, but there is always more we can do.

“I want to develop a ‘restorative Cheshire’ by ensuring agencies which provide support in the criminal justice sector develop restorative practices into their ways of working.”