http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?command=newPage&nodeId=149211&contentPK=10932925
PAUL GALLAGHER
"Young offenders will be made to apologise to their victims and confront the consequences of their actions in a new drive to cut crime.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson yesterday insisted this was not a soft option.
Political rivals and pensioner groups welcomed the move, with some urging it be brought into force sooner rather than later.
Every police force in Scotland will be taking part in a programme of so-called restorative justice warnings, in which minor or first-time offenders under 16 could be made to apologise to their victims or to make amends."
