BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time's audience share their thoughts on the unfortunate side effects of Jerusalem Artichokes

Gardeners' Question Time on "Fartichokes"

Facilitator Karl James tells the inside story of a Restorative Justice meeting between a burglar and his victim.

Meetings between victims and the perpetrators of a crime are undergoing a huge expansion in the UK. New government legislation is being introduced to establish the practice of Restorative Justice within the criminal justice system. Studies suggest the activity can reduce reoffending rates and help the victim come to terms with the crime.

In this programme, dialogue expert Karl James explores one of these encounters and talks to both the victim and the offender, getting both sides' perspective on what happened and the long-term consequences of their meeting.

In 2008 Margaret interrupted a burglary in her home. Among the stolen items was a laptop full of photos commemorating her daughter Jessica’s 18th birthday. Tragically, eight months later Jessica was killed in a car accident. The theft of the laptop meant her parents didn’t have any recent family photos of their daughter. For Margaret the burglary and her daughter’s death became entwined, increasing her anger and grief. But - inspired by the memory of her daughter - Margaret agreed to meet the offender in a restorative justice conference in Preston Prison.

Ian was that burglar. In November 2008, he was a known criminal, breaking into houses to fund his drug habit. Their meeting had a profound effect on both parties.


A Different Kind Of Justice

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Confident across many platforms—games, web, radio, TV, apps—we answer people's problems using a user-centred design approach to creating content. And enjoy doing so—we win dozens of award, have a unique working environment and get to design content that millions of people watch, play with and listen to every day.

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