By As part of a restorative justice project, a group of teenagers have repaired the damage they caused in Memorial Park.
On 7th May 2019, police were called to the park in Thorne following reports of criminal damage. Several plants had been ripped up from recently planted boxes within the bandstand.
Seven teenagers, all 15-16 years old, were identified as being responsible for the damage.
In consultation with Doncaster Council, as well as Thorne and Moorends Town Council, Neighbourhood officer PC David Connolly agreed that a restorative justice outcome would be most appropriate. The teens admitted their part in the damage and each provided money towards the purchase of new plants.
In addition, the group helped the groundsman plant the new flowers and plants in the park, ahead of the UCI Road World Cycling Championships that is due to pass through Doncaster tomorrow (27th September).
Sergeant Daniel Wilson, from Doncaster East’s neighbourhood team, said:
This was a good use of restorative justice by our local officers and the action taken will ensure that the community park is restored to its former glory.
While incidents like this may seem trivial to some, damage to a local park that is enjoyed by the community has an impact. It isn’t acceptable to cause this kind of damage and I am pleased that those involved have accepted they were at fault and repaid the debt by re-planting ahead of a high-profile cycling event.
Restorative justice isn’t always appropriate, but in these circumstances it was a positive solution that will benefit the local community. Those involved have learned a valuable lesson and contributed to improving the area.
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