Criminal damage

[marktomo]

Hi all,
recently my son was accused of damaging a pupils bike at school, my son admitted this and was punished at school by 2 day isolation and dropped from sports teams, he apologised and offered to pay for the damage caused, he was also punished at home.
The school offered his apology and offer to pay to the pupils parents. to which they agreed. The repairs were completed and a request was made for payment, the invoice was presented which also included service to the bike and replacement parts(brake blocks and chain). the damage included re-aligning the handle bars and other minor adjustments, we paid for all the labour for the service and rectifying the damage, but not the service parts.
the parent said if i don't pay the full bill he will have my son charged with criminal damage.He has since returned the payment made( after 2 weeks) and i expect some followup response
!:is there a time line that a criminal damage charge can be made, i have read in Ireland it is within 10 days on the damage being caused. is it the same in the UK.
2: Would such an incident warrant the time of the magistrates.
3: what would be the likely outcome.
Hope you can help.

[islandgirl]

I do not know about youth court but I do not think there is a 10 day rule. I cannot see the Police being interested at all. It is not for the parent to "have someone charged" but the Police and then the CPS. They can report it and the Police will investigate but I cannot see it going any further though of course it is not my area so I may be wrong. I strongly suggest that you do not allow your son to speak to the Police without a solicitor if they call and do not accept a caution (which they will tell you will have no impact later...but it will). Good luck and I hope someone with youth mag experience will be along soon.

[echat11]

Most of their complaint against your son has been resolved (which they agreed too). It might be an idea to see if they are willing to consider independent mediation just so all parties can move on. He damaged the bike, but they can't expect or suggest that the bike gets a complete 'makeover', they might as well ask for an Aston Martin as well.

I agree with Islandgirl, the police probably won't be remotely interested as you have already agreed to 'remedy' the damage..