Judge David Fletcher will preside at the centre

Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman unveiled a plaque at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre (CJC) in Vauxhall.

The centre has its own courtroom and is the first of its kind in England and Wales. It is based on the Red Hook centre in New York.

Housed in a former school, it is equipped with community amenities.

It services Anfield, Breckfield, Everton, Vauxhall, County, Melrose and Kirkdale.

He has rolled up his sleeves and gone into these communities to talk to people Harriet Harman about Judge David Fletcher

The centre focuses on offenders making amends to the community.

It began dealing with cases in December, while it was based at Liverpool Magistrates Court, and has been operating from the new building for about a month.

Merseyside Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and probation and youth offending teams all have offices at the centre to provide advice and support services.

Judge David Fletcher will preside over the centre, monitoring treatment programmes and community punishments and ensuring the views of people in north Liverpool are reflected in those punishments.

Ms Harman said: "Anti-social behaviour causes problems beyond the actual verbal abuse, damage to property or whatever it might be.

'Ultimate sanction'

"In north Liverpool, the centre is already making a difference by talking to local people and giving them an opportunity to get involved in reducing crime."

She praised Judge Fletcher, saying: "He has rolled up his sleeves and gone into these communities to talk to people.

"He deals with the case independently, and on the facts, but he understands the context and that is what gives the community confidence in him.

Judge Fletcher, the UK's first community judge, said criminals should not expect a soft touch from the CJC.

He said: "Unlike a normal court, which gives an order and sends them on their way, I see them regularly and I know if they are breaking the order.

"I am able to explain the consequences of them breaking the order and I am willing to offer them help, but if they persist in offending I will use the ultimate sanction, which is a custodial sentence."