It's one strike and you're out as far as community service is concerned.

Many offenders are sentenced by the courts to carry out work in the community and the Probation Service is charged with finding placements, which range from painting fences to working in charity shops.

There was recently criticism of the service after one offender failed to turn up to three work groups.

Probation officer Linda Watts explains what happens if someone misses a session (audio file attached):

(Picture: Douglas Courthouse).