A NEW service will bring victims of crime face-to-face with offenders.

The Greater Manchester Restorative Justice Service means victims of crime can now ask for restorative justice at any stage of the criminal justice process, including after an offender has been sentenced and sent to prison.

The system was commissioned this week by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), in partnership with the police.

It gives victims the chance to tell offenders how their crime has affected them and the offender the opportunity to apologise and make amends.

It also supports the rehabilitation of offenders by helping them understand the consequences of their actions in an effort to prevent reoffending.

Deputy mayor Bev Hughes, said: “We know that when used in the right way, restorative justice can be very effective. It is a powerful process in which criminals face up to what they’ve done and gives victims the closure they need.”

For more, visit: www.gmvictims.org.uk/RJ, email gmrj@gmp.police.uk or call 0161 856 4866.