A CRIMEBUSTING scheme that allows victims to choose the punishment meted out to young criminals has been hailed a success in Southampton.

The region-wide flagship project also brings those victims face to face with offenders.

It is run by the Wessex Youth Offending Team through a court system of reparation orders.

Under it, victims are able to meet with offenders to hammer home the consequences of their actions. They can even suggest a good cause the criminals should work for as punishment.

So far 62 per cent of victims approached over the past 12 months in Southampton and South West Hampshire have agreed to take part in the scheme.

Phil Sutton, manager of the youth offending team, which was one of the first four to be piloted in the country, praised the scheme for forcing offenders to face up to their crimes.

Speaking at the Hampton Trust's conference on crime, disorder and social exclusion, Mr Sutton - who admitted only 20 per cent of victims agreed to the face-to-face meetings - said: "Victims of youth crime were the forgotten people. The needs and feelings of victims were not considered.

"Restorative justice is good for the victims and good for the offenders. It recognises that harm can be put right."