Liberal Democrats unveil anti crime strategy
Youngsters who commit minor crimes or anti-social behaviour should not face prosecution in courts, under a new Liberal Democrat crime strategy. Custody for youngsters should be seen as a "last resort". Children who admit guilt would appear before panels of local people to apologise, with punishment in the form of a "positive behaviour order". Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said Labour "criminalised a generation of young people. It is time for a new approach to youth justice which both prevents crime and confronts young people with their actions if they do break the law."