Salford’s first court dedicated to rehabilitating drug offenders and preventing drug-related reoffending was praised today by Justice Minister Bridget Prentice, during a visit to mark the court’s sixth month in operation.
Salford’s first court dedicated to rehabilitating drug offenders and preventing drug-related reoffending was praised today by Justice Minister Bridget Prentice, during a visit to mark the court’s sixth month in operation.
Drug courts form part of a new and innovative Ministry of Justice programme designed to break the cycle of reoffending by putting in place a range of problem-solving courts and, in this instance, drive down drug-fuelled acquisitive crime, such as robbery or theft.
The Salford drug court, which opened in January, has sentenced 52 cases so far. Nearly 35 of offenders have already successfully entered into drug rehabilitation programmes.
Dedicated drug courts work by ensuring that the same magistrates or district judge sits throughout a case involving one offender, allowing them to keep track of the offender’s progress and receive an early warning if there is any relapse and apply sanctions if necessary. The offenders will also be required to undergo regular drug tests and are subject to stringent drug rehabilitation orders.
Visiting the court in Salford Bridget Prentice said:
‘It is vital we find new and innovative ways of tackling drug fuelled crime, and dedicated drug courts are designed to do just this. Seeing familiar faces can help build a relationship between the judge and addict, motivating offenders to salvage their life from the hold of drugs.
‘The ultimate goal is to reduce reoffending and make Salford a safe place to live. When the cycle of drug abuse and crime is broken, and someone changes their life for the better, the whole community benefits.’
Problem-solving courts take a specialist approach in dealing with offenders with specific needs, from drug abuse to domestic violence. They address the causes and consequences of offending, dealing with the underlying problems associated with criminal behaviour.
Salford also hosts a specialist domestic violence court, which is a fundamental part of the government’s efforts to improve the support and care provided for victims of domestic violence.
These courts also encourage closer working between agencies and support services in Salford, from the police to the judiciary. There are several key benefits which drive the government’s commitment to problem-solving courts. They help reduce reoffending, increase public confidence by addressing the needs of local communities, and create a more effective and efficient criminal justice system.
Notes to editors
-
The two original dedicated drug court pilots were launched at Leeds and West London Magistrates’ Courts in December 2005. The decision to extend the pilot scheme to four more courts was announced in April 2008, after an evaluation indicated they can have a positive impact on reoffending, court attendance and compliance by offenders.
-
Three other new drug court pilots are in Barnsley, Cardiff, and Bristol Magistrates’ Courts.
-
The Dedicated Drug Court in Salford will operate at the Salford Magistrates’ Court every Monday.
-
Any further media enquiries on this press release should be directed to Nicole Valentinuzzi on 020 3334 3547.
© Crown copyright material reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland
