MORE than 2,500 offences reported across North Wales since the beginning of 2022 have involved restorative justice, according to data.

Freedom of Information figures obtained by the Leader from North Wales Police show the number and types of offences the force dealt with by way of youth restorative disposal and community resolution for 2022 and 2023 up to the end of August.

These resolutions enable parties with a stake in a specific offence to collectively resolve how to deal with the aftermath of the crime and its implications for the future.

READ MORE: Wrexham farmer speaks out after dog attack kills 22 sheep

For example, it can involve victim-offender mediation, restitution or reparation and can take place at any stage of the criminal justice process - including after conviction.

Offenders need to have admitted responsibility for the harm they have caused in order to enter into the process.

Currently, according to the Crown Prosecution Service, it is more common for the restorative justice process "to be used before a case comes to court, i.e. as part of a diversionary process."

Over the 2022-23 time period covered by the FOI data, there was a total (across both categories) of 2,619 - of which 1,600 took place in 2022 and 1,019 took place in 2023.

Of the 1,600 which took place in 2022 - 207 related to youth restorative disposal, with the most common offence that year being assault with injury (30) followed by assault without injury (26) and then public fear, alarm or distress (25).

The community resolutions in 2022 numbered 1,393, the most common offence being shoplifting (267), followed by assault with injury (186), then assault without injury (181).

For this year to date, the 1,019 annual total comprises 885 community resolutions and 134 youth restorative disposals.

The most common offence for community resolution so far this year has been shoplifting (179), followed by assault with injury (126).

In terms of youth restorative resolutions, the most common this year has been assault with injury (36), followed by shoplifting (19).

Across the total two year period, numerous other types of offences have been dealt with via the above out of court conclusions, including: arson not endangering life, assault (with and without injury) on a constable, burglary, criminal damage, exposure and voyeurism, malicious communications, possession of drugs, possession of firearms offences, sexual assault, sexual assault on a child, threats to kill and stalking - among many others.

READ MORE: Llangollen woman bit two police officers

A North Wales Police spokesman explained: "Restorative justice gives the opportunity for people harmed by a crime and the people responsible for the harm to share how the crime has affected them. 

"It lets everyone involved play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.

"The communication can be a face-to-face meeting or a letter, recorded audio interview or video.

"All victims of crime can seek restorative justice but the process will only take place if both victim and offender want it to.

"Restorative justice is completely voluntary for all those taking part.

"Trained facilitators assess risks and make sure that the process is safe for everybody involved.

"Restorative justice is used for any type of crime and at any stage of the criminal justice process, including if the offender is serving a prison sentence."