A MAN has told how his life has changed completely after he became the first to complete a groundbreaking new programme which offers offenders a chance to rebuild their life rather than receive a criminal conviction.

Steven Beckwith is the first person to complete Durham Police’s Checkpoint programme, which offers an alternative to prosecution or a caution for low-level offences, such as theft or shoplifting.

It is not on offer for serious offences, including rape, robbery or murder.

The Northern Echo: REFORMED: After completing the Checkpoint programme adopted by Durham Police, minor offender Steven Beckwith meets his victim Malcolm Easby at the Kings Church, in Darlington Picture: CHRIS BOOTH
REFORMED: After completing the Checkpoint programme adopted by Durham Police, minor offender Steven Beckwith meets his victim Malcolm Easby at the Kings Church, in Darlington. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

The scheme, which is currently helping around 160 people, is tailored to each offender and offers the chance to address the underlying issues which caused them to commit the crime.

Mr Beckwith, from Darlington, was signed on to the programme after he was arrested following a minor assault on 53-year-old retired postman, Malcolm Easby.

During the scheme, he volunteered at King’s Church, in Darlington, and gained his Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, which led to him being offered a job as a painter and decorator.

Speaking to his victim for the first time since the assault, the 44-year-old said the scheme has changed his life forever.

“Before I wasn’t working, I was drinking on the street and I had nothing to do all day. It has changed everything about my life,” he said.

“Now I am back working and I can control my anger. I have got everything back and can get my life back on track.

“I know exactly where I am going now, but before I had nothing – I was at a dead end.”

Mr Easby, a father-of-one said: “I think it is a brilliant scheme, although I do not think it will help everybody.

“As soon as they told me about it I said get him on it straightaway. At the end of the day he has got a family too and he needs to be a role model for them.

“Everybody has got problems in life. I am really pleased he has got a job now and I am pleased I met him today.”

During the scheme, participants cannot reoffend and are given contracts with varying conditions, which include taking part in a restorative approach, addressing the issues that led to the crime being committed, completing voluntary work or wearing a GPS tag.

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “This is not a soft option. It is about intervening early on so that we stop people reoffending.

“They get into a pattern of offending so it is about helping people address the problems that are causing them to offend. If they go to court or get a fine it isn’t helping them to change."

Any organisations that could benefit from the scheme can email checkpoint@durham.pnn.police.uk