Crime victims are to be given a huge voice in the punishment of teenage tearaways as part of a radical Government drive to tackle youth offending, it was revealed today.

Special community-led panels are to be set up in Southend to work with young offenders, their victims and families to hammer home the anti-crime message.

The initiative, to be launched on April 1, will give people affected by crime a say in the level of "reparation" for young offenders.

Under the scheme, youngsters between ten and 17, who are convicted for the first time, will be referred to the youth offender panel by a court for a period of three to 12 months depending on the seriousness of the offence.

Patricia Cox, from Southend youth offending team, which is overseeing the scheme, said: "We are looking for men and women of any age providing they are 18. Potential panel members will be given full training."

People interested in becoming a panel member can visit Patricia on March 19 from 6pm until 7.30pm and on March 27 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Southend Youth Offending Team office, 7th Floor, Baryta House, 29, Victoria Avenue, Southend.

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002