Boy writes letter of apology after crashing a stolen JCB into a tractor in Exeter

A 14-year-old boy who crashed a stolen JCB into a tractor in Exeter and then fled on foot has written a letter of apology for his behaviour.

Police decided not to arrest the teenager and gave him the opportunity to communicate directly with the victim, in this case the owner of the machinery.

The incident took place at a property in Stoke Canon at around 4am on Saturday 28 December.

After driving the JCB around, it is reported he then accidentally crashed it into a tractor and a gate before running off.

PC Amelia Hawkins dealt with the incident first hand and was the first to share the news on Twitter.

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The young boy is being dealt with by restorative justice instead of being arrested and charged, meaning that he has the chance to meet or communicate with his victim so they can explain the personal impact of the crime.

The idea is to hold offenders to account for what they have done so that they can take responsibility and make amends, whilst also giving the victim a voice.

As a result, police have confirmed that the incident will be dealt with by the boy writing a letter of apology for his actions.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said this morning: