NORTH Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has voiced her concerns about the number of offenders given “community resolution” punishments for serious violent crimes.

A Freedom of Information request to 33 police forces in England and Wales showed 10,160 such crimes and 2,488 domestic violence cases were dealt with “informally” last year, with police using the out-of-court disposals in a way which allowed some criminals to make an apology or pay compensation to their victim rather than being prosecuted or cautioned.

Julia Mulligan, the region’s commissioner, said she had been concerned “for a while” about the use of the disposals, saying: “I have made a clear commitment to setting up an independent panel to monitor how, where, when and why these disposals are being used and I know this is an initiative North Yorkshire Police support.

“The punishment must be suitable for the crime and the panel will help ensure this is the case. Draft plans include having members of the panel with magistrate experience, as well as victims of crime taking up other seats. I am also very mindful that, during the recent consultation on my Police and Crime Plan, the public made it very clear tough action on criminals, more charges and fewer cautions are a priority.”