Disclaimer alert: my opinion will stir up controversial feelings regarding the Simon Schembri vs Liam Debono hit-and-run case.

No doubt, Schembri has suffered and will go through a post-traumatic experience. However, sending the young accused to prison will not make him a better citizen but, rather, tear him apart from schools, families and communities with no access to support.

We will further traumatise this young lad making him less able to find employment, get an education, have healthy relationships and lead a productive life in the future.

Should we not be offering a community-based solution to rehabilitate this person and give him one opportunity to make him a better citizen and have a brighter future?

Prison for the youth is certainly an outdated approach.

I am sure the policeman is aware of what goes on behind bars. So, should he not make an example of his situation and instead turn his very unfortunate situation to one that will make his alleged attacker a better citizen for the future, with compulsory voluntary service, early curfew times and a compulsory education with zero tolerance to drugs/cigarettes?

I am not sure if one will experience any degree of relief sending a young man with an unfortunate background to jail.

The policeman and his family have been through a tough and emotional time, however, these words may stir up some thoughts.