VICTIMS are now able to pick from a list of five punishments for certain low-level offenders.

Repairing any damage and apologising are among the sanctions available, once the police have agreed the offender will not go to court.

The five ‘community remedy’ punishments for Sussex offenders have been designed following a public survey, in line with new national policies to improve the way low-level offences are dealt with.

On the list for Sussex are personal and community reparation, such as paying or repairing damage; restorative justice, such as meeting victims or a conference with parents; apologising; local rehabilitative or diversionary activity; or “another agreed and proportionate activity specified by the victim”.

Chief Constable Giles York said: “The introduction of community remedy gives victims a much greater say in how their case is resolved and how offenders can seek to remedy their actions.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Crucially, these options put victims firmly in the driving seat, ensuring that offenders have to face immediate consequences for their actions and repair the harm caused. This could make them less likely to reoffend in the future.”

She added: “The community remedy approach will remain under constant review to ensure that it is responsive and accountable to victims and members of the public in Sussex.”

Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, each police force in England and Wales is required to publish a community remedy document, providing victims with a choice of activities and sanctions for offenders.

The Sussex Community Remedy document is published online at www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/police-crime-plan/community-remedy-document.