MLA Bradley praises work of Probation Service

Nichola Neill (MLA Bradley's caseworker), Liam Nelis, Probation Services Officer PBNI; Maurice Bradley MLA; Janet McClinton, Area Manager PBNI; Alana McDermott, Probation Officer PBNI.

That was the figure discussed with MLA Maurice Bradley when he met with PBNI at their Coleraine office last week.

The 200 people, are subject to 213 orders and post-custody licences, with the majority of these offenders being male, only 24 were female.

At the briefing, MLA Bradley was given an overview of the work that PBNI do with both offenders and victims, and the different types of orders and licences supervised by PBNI.

MLA Bradley said: “It was very interesting to find out the different work that goes on with offenders in a bid to make our communities safer.

“I was pleased also to note that the victims of crime are kept up to date, and that where possible community service is carried out in the communities where the crime has been carried out, encouraging the offender to give something back to their community.

“I was really surprised by the range of programmes available to offenders to help them understand the effect their actions have had on others, or indeed as a stepping stone to stop the vicious cycle of drug or alcohol misuse, which can lead people to crime.

“It was refreshing to learn that three quarters of those who engage with PBNI through community service do not reoffend within the year, that means that the work by our local office, ensures that further crimes are prevented within our communities.

“I commend the staff of the local office for the beneficial work that they do and I thank them for the invitation to find out more.”