Drunken teenager writes letter of apology

The sixteen year old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested in Bexhill town centre on 12th June 2009 after a passer-by, concerned by her conduct, rang the police.

Following her arrest the girl was charged and appeared at Hastings Youth Court on 26th June.

She was sentenced to a six month Referral Order and, as a result, has since been working through an Intervention Programme with the Youth Offending Team.

Restorative Justice Coordinator of the Youth Offending Team, Bev Mitchell, explained that the Intervention Programmes, "consist of a series of targeted activities designed to explore and address a young persons offending behaviour; together with reparation activities, designed to repair some of the harm the young person has caused."

She added: "The letter of apology is one of the reparation activities undertaken by this girl."

The teenager asked for the following letter to be published in the Bexhill Observer:

Please could I use your pages to apologise for my behaviour after being found drunk and disorderly in Bexhill town centre on Friday 12th June 2009.

Although I don't have a very clear memory of what happened that night, I understand that a member of public who was concerned for my well-being called the police.

When the officers arrived I was apparently very rude to them.

I would like to apologise to the police for my behaviour that night which I know was wrong. I'm also grateful to the person who was worried about me.

Now I've had time to think about things, I know that being so drunk increases the chances of something bad happening to me.

With support from my family and the U19 Substance Misuse Service I'm no longer drinking to excess.

I've recently started working as a trainee hairdresser and, as well as working in the salon, I'll shortly be attending college on day release.

Yours Faithfully

Anonymous female (aged 16).