The home affairs minister says offering an alternative to prison sentences through a restorative justice system could work well in the Isle of Man.

Adrian Earnshaw has announced plans to run a pilot scheme after the idea was debated at a Criminal Justice Conference in the Island earlier this year.

Restorative justice can see offenders carry out work for their victims, have face to face meetings with them and even offer personal apologies.

It's not suitable for all offenders or all crimes and the Manx judiciary will have a big say as to where restorative justice options are suitable.

Mr Earnshaw says the scheme offers some interesting possibilities for the future: