HAMPSHIRE’S deputy police chief has travelled to Portugal to address a European conference on restorative justice.

Rob Jarman, Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s deputy police and crime commissioner, was invited to Lisbon to address a two-day conference on how to implement EU rules on victims’ rights.

Mr Jarman has led the region’s restorative justice programme, helping to prevent reoffending and keeping young first-time offenders from the criminal justice system.

He said: “I consider it a real privilege to be given the opportunity to share with our European counterparts the innovative projects we have implemented and are developing here for the residents of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. It will also provide me with the opportunity to hear from a number of other European agencies and practitioners about what is being delivered elsewhere across Europe, which I’m certain will assist us a we continue to develop our Restorative Justice programme.”

The conference started yesterday (Wednesday) and will conclude this afternoon.