§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what types of offenders have been selected for community service; what types of offenders have been regarded as most suitable for this kind of treatment; and what has been the position in regard to sexual offenders.
§ Mr. AlisonSince the community service order scheme began on 1 April 1979 a total of 379 orders have been made. The offences committed by the persons concerned were—
441W
Burglary 168 Disorderly behaviour 92 Motoring offences 65 Shoplifting 11 Malicious Damage 12 Fraud 15 Others 16 In the making of recommendations on suitability for community service an offender's age, health and capacity for work are considered relevant.
To date only one person convicted of a sexual offence has been given a community service order by the courts.