THE work of a scheme to designed to empower young people has been celebrated.

The North Hampshire Peer Court was celebrated during a special event at the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council offices, in London Road, where guests, councillors, residents, members of the court and many others joined Safer North Hampshire and Hampshire Constabulary.

At the event, there was a mock scenario, as well as the opportunity to find out more about how the court operates.

The North Hampshire Peer Court, which meets weekly in the borough council's chambers, is an initiative designed to empower young people to come up with sanctions for other young people who have committed minor offences.

A total of 86 young people who had committed offences have had their cases heard at the court since June 2016 with those attending checked to see if they have reoffended.

Now, the court, which began as a three-year pilot scheme, run by Hampshire Constabulary, is set to expand into Hart and Rushmoor, following its outset in Basingstoke.

Hampshire Constabulary refers suitable cases to the court, and a panel of volunteers listen to the facts of the case, as well as acting as advocates for the offender and for the victim.

The panel then uses a set of criteria to decide which outcome would be the most appropriate in the circumstances. Possible outcomes include an apology letter, referral to diversionary activities, reparation and a face-to-face apology.

Councillor Ken Muschamp, chairman of the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “We hope this scheme leads offenders to a more positive path in life, as evidence shows that young people tend to respond better to their peers of a similar age, and are more likely to make changes to their behaviour in future.”

The court complements existing provisions which does not replace existing criminal courts for young people.