COMMUNITY service allows offenders to make amends for their crimes, a probation officer has said.

The punishment also benefits a wide variety of local charities and not-for-profit organisations that need additional manpower.

Community service manager Laurence Hill-Tout (pictured) said the scheme had been a huge success since it was implemented three years ago on a pilot basis.

The States will decide at the end of the month whether community service orders should become a permanent option for the island’s courts.

‘We have worked with so many beneficiaries,’ Mr Hill-Tout said. ‘It’s been absolutely superb. We have worked with organisations ranging from animal sanctuaries to sporting clubs and charity shops.’

He said offenders were currently working with a domestic abuse charity to help with preparations for the international White Ribbon Day, which seeks to raise awareness of violence against women.