In October 2021, Essex Police’s Witness Care Unit referred a case to the Essex Restorative and Mediation Service after speaking with Carol*, a victim of burglary.

The incident left Carol deeply affected, leading her to suspect that the offender might have been someone she knew due to the lack of disruption in her home except for the areas where her valuables were stored. This suspicion intensified her mental health struggles and left her with pressing questions about the crime and its impact on her life.

ERMS facilitators met with Carol who had several concerns following the burglary including:

– Why was her house targeted?

– What happened to her jewellery?

– Did the offender feel remorse for his actions?

These questions weighed heavily on her, contributing to her emotional distress and sense of violation.

The harmer, Daniel*, was serving a prison sentence for this burglary at the time of the meeting with Carol. During his time in prison, he had undergone significant personal change, becoming drug-free and reflecting on the consequences of his past actions.

When facilitators went to speak with him, Daniel clarified that he did not know Carol personally; he was an opportunistic burglar who specifically targeted homes that appeared unoccupied. He expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the damage he had inflicted on his victims and his own relationships, particularly with his 7-year-old son, with who he now wasn’t allowed to have contact.

Daniel had proactively written a letter to Carol prior to their meeting, expressing his desire to take responsibility and begin repairing the harm he had caused.

The Meeting

On October 22, 2021, Carol and Daniel met at HMP Highpoint. During this meeting, Carol was able to articulate the profound impact the burglary had on her life, expressing her fears and concerns about the crime. She was grateful for the letter he had sent, which had helped her prepare for the encounter.

Daniel explained that he chose Carol’s house because it appeared empty and explained how he gained entry. He revealed that her stolen jewellery had been sold to a Hatton Garden dealer and likely melted down, providing closure to Carol regarding her lost possessions. Despite having engaged in burglary since he was 15, Daniel expressed a strong desire to change his life for the better after his sentence.

This case exemplifies the potential benefits of restorative justice, not just for the victim but also for the offender. Through open communication, both parties were able to gain insights and closure that traditional justice methods often fail to provide.

*names have been changed