Victim told to confront vandals

David Rothwell outside his home Picture:Bristol Evening Post

A retired teacher has been told by police he will have to confront the young vandals who he claims are driving him from his home in Bristol.

David Rothwell, 68, from the Inns Court area, has had his windows broken and graffiti sprayed on his door.

Mr Rothwell will meet the three children, all under 14, as part of the restorative justice system - used by police instead of a prosecution.

The meeting is due to take place at a police station on 11 September.

Mr Rothwell was the head of IT at St George's Comprehensive School, now the City Academy, and has lived in Inns Court for the last eight years.

He is now considering selling his home and moving from the area.

The restorative justice system is sometimes used to settle minor disputes and avoids the court process. The system is reliant on a meeting between the victim and the offenders agreeing to resolve the issue and can involve community work or a letter of apology.

'Wanting retribution'

Mr Rothwell said: "I'm in a sense split between wanting retribution and wanting them to mend their ways.

"I'm not very happy, I shall feel self-conscious and I have never met the parents, I've never seen the girl but I have seen the two lads.

"I do feel a bit irked. I'm having to pay up to £80 to £90 to have my window repaired. I can ill afford it. I've been frightened.

"I do find it a little unnerving but I wouldn't want them to go through the courts."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: "Police are currently investigating two incidents of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour at an address in Standfast Place.

"The Neighbourhood Beat Team has spoken to the victim concerned and a meeting has been established with him and three offenders, two boys and a girl aged 13 and 11, already identified as being involved.

"It is now hoped a restorative justice programme will be commenced with the three youths believed to be responsible and the victim on 11 September."