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 things better.
I did a course of rehab to get off drugs. I also started a course to be a counsellor.
It was at the counselling 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.’