Kentish Express Ashford & District
Fair play to archery vandals
Leisure centre owners grateful to public, police – and attacker who owned up ‘The chance to make amends’
A vandal who admitted causing mindless damage to an Ashford leisure centre has been given ‘restorative justice’
The 18-year-old admitted causing criminal damage at Great Chart Golf and Leisure, in Bear Lane, between September 18 and 19
obs caused around £1,000 worth of damage to equipment to the centre four times in as many weeks.
The group snapped 60 archery arrows, smashed targets, broke other sporting equipment and damaged a car.
The Kentish Express ran an appeal for information after coowner John Kay offered a £500 reward for any information leading to the vandals’ arrest.
But Mr Kay, who co-owns the centre with his brother, said residents came forward with information for free.
He said: “The Ashford community were fantastic with their response to us and we had several leads to whom the vandals were without wanting any reward – all naming the same people.
“The vandals made them them- selves known to us and paid back the costs. The police had apprehended one with a little help from the public and the rest came forward.
“We really can’t thank the Ashford people enough for all their best wishes and especially those who helped us catch the culprits.
“Ashford police were also brilliant in helping us so all of us at Great Chart Leisure would like to say a huge thank you.”
When the first teenager, from Ashford, came forward and admitted the damage, it was agreed he would be dealt with through restorative justice.
Investigating officer PC Leanne Kingwell said: “The teenager decided to own up to his actions and admitted they had been inconsiderate and mindless.
“The victims agreed to meet him and we were able to work with them to ensure there was a positive outcome.
“The teenager’s courage in owning up to his actions in turn have led to other people wanting to apologise to the victims for their part in the incident and offer to pay for the damage.”
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk Another 18-year-old man from Ashford, who was arrested on October 6 in connection with the incident, has been released without charge.
A Kent Police spokesman added: “Restorative Justice can bring victims, offenders and those affected by crime or anti-social behaviour together.
“It ensures offenders understand the consequences of their actions without going through the courts and are given the opportunity to make amends.
“Victims and others affected have the opportunity to understand why it has happened and have a say in how the harm can be repaired.”