Parish Hall Enquiries
At the Enquiry, the Centenier will speak with the young person
to ascertain the circumstances of the offence. Every child
must be accompanied by an adult with parental
responsibility.
The purpose of the Enquiry is for the Centenier to
decide:
- whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge;
- if so, whether it is in the public interest to prosecute or
whether the matter can be dealt with in some other way at the
Enquiry; and
- if the matter is to be dealt with at the Enquiry, the
appropriate method of disposal.
The Centenier has a number of options
available:
The Centenier has a number of options available as reparation
for the offence.
- They can issue a Written Caution, give Words of Advice or
even decide that no further action is necessary. There is
often an element of reparation or restoration
attached including a letter of apology or compensation to a
victim.
- Alternatively, the Centenier may defer the decision to a
later date. This tends to be used in conjunction with other
conditions such as paying compensation or writing a letter of
apology. At the conclusion of the deferment period, the
Centenier will either give words of advice or issue a written
caution.
- The Centenier may also impose fines up to £100 for certain
statutory offences.
Voluntary supervision orders
The Centenier may place young offenders
under the supervision of either the Probation Service or the
Alcohol and Drug Service. Upon successful completion of a
supervision programme, the offender returns to the
Parish Hall, usually after a three month period, where the
Centenier issues a written caution as an alternative to
prosecution.
However if the attendee re-offends or
does not attend appointments at the relevant agency, they will
be returned to the Centenier, who may choose to prosecute.
Restorative Justice
The Centenier may order the young offender to undertake work
with the Restorative Justice Officer. Please click here to read more
information on the Restorative Justice scheme.
Charge and bail for a Court appearance
The Centenier has the power to formally charge and bail
offenders to appear before the Magistrate.
