Responding to youth offending – Judge Andrew Becroft 

“HOW TO turn a troubled child into a distinguished alumnus of the University of Crime” is the arresting title of a forthcoming lecture by Judge Andrew Becroft, the Principal Youth Court Judge.

He will address the topic at The University of Auckland’s Distinguished Alumni Speaker Day on 6 March (10.30-11.30am, Owen G. Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road).

This follows the award to him and five others of Distinguished Alumni Awards in Auckland the previous evening. The awards are for graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, and the nation.

In his presentation, Judge Becroft will inquire into the current state of youth offending in New Zealand. “What is really going on behind the rhetoric and politicising of this area, crucial to our country’s future?” he will ask. ”And what is the best response to youth offending? Can we stop it? Is there hope? Do we need more short sharp shocks, boot camps, and scared straight programmes?”

He aims to identify the essentials of a community response to youth offending. “How do we stop our troubled children graduating to tertiary level universities of crime?”

Judge Becroft has been Principal Youth Court Judge since 2001, and is a strong advocate on youth issues. He graduated from the University of Auckland in 1981 with a BA LLB(Hons). He practised in Auckland with Fortune Manning & Partners, then in 1986 assisted with establishing the Mangere Community Law Centre, where he worked as a senior solicitor until 1993. He was then a criminal barrister in South Auckland until his appointment to the District Court, Wanganui, in 1996, where he spent five years.

Judge Becroft is a former council member of the Auckland District Law Society and the New Zealand Law Society. He is an editor of LexisNexis’s Transport Law.

Everyone is welcome at the six lectures which are free. Full information on the day is at www.alumni.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/alumni/events.