I tried to escape. I didn’t want to hit him, but I did. I’m not a violent guy, but I just did what I had to do. There was a flower pot, and I smashed it on his head.
After I was arrested, all I felt was a big sense of relief. I was going back to a place I knew well. I’d been in and out of prison for 18 years, for theft, burglary, and fraud.
I started using drugs when I was 10 and became an addict at 14. I’d hit rock bottom. I stole because it was the only thing I knew how to do. I knew it would only lead me back to prison.
I was given a three-year sentence. It was while I was in jail someone mentioned Restorative Justice. I couldn’t see the point, but I agreed to do it because I was bored.
It wasn’t until I stared walking down the corridor towards the library that I got scared.
When I got there I sat down and just looked at the floor. I said the same rubbish I always used to say to the police. But Will was furious, and I was shocked. I thought, “My God, I did all this.”
I felt angry with myself, and ashamed. I was determined to make things better.
I suddenly realized that I was responsible for this man’s pain. He wasn’t just a faceless nobody that I’d stolen from. I felt angry with myself. And ashamed. I was determined to make thing better.
I did a course of rehab to get off drugs. I also started a course to be a counselor.
It was at the counseling class that I met Louise. I was over the moon. And my life changed completely…
I was released early after 18 months, and Louise and I got married. Life hasn’t been easy, but I’ve worked hard to get things together.
I’m now helping others. I’m clean of drugs and haven’t committed another crime. I feel proud of myself. These days, I consider myself lucky that I broke into Will’s house that day. If I hadn’t-and if we hadn’t become friends-I don’t know what I would have done. I guess I’d be dead by now.