Assault Case

Kev received a conditional caution after he assaulted a stranger on a night out. As part of the conditional caution, he was required to have a discussion about Restorative Justice.

When Kev met with facilitators, he stated that he was mortified about what had happened.  He had been on a night out with friends and had been drinking to excess. This was unlike him, and he could remember nothing of what happened. His friends had told him what had happened and he was keen to apologise, saying: “That poor guy – I’m so sorry.”

Facilitators made contact with Chris, who was the victim who had been assaulted.  He said that he was generally ok, but shocked more than anything because there was no lead up to the assault – it was completely out of the blue.

He understood Kev’s need to apologise, stating “I’d want to do the same if it was me”, and decided that he wanted to receive it by letter because he didn’t feel that he needed to meet him.

“He’s a guy like me – he had too much to drink.  Booze makes fools of us all. But the apology would be nice”,  Chris said. Kev was quick to write to Chris. Chris accepted Kev’s apology, stating: “Getting punched by some guy – these things happen when there’s drink involved. But that he took the time to apologise when he didn’t have to? That tells me more about him, and I appreciate his apology.”

If you are interested in finding out more about how Restorative Justice might help you and you are based in Kent, please give us a call on 0800 783 1583 or email us at rjkent@restorativesolutions.org.uk and we will be glad to help you.