Newsbeat Daily
SINCE January 2011, over 2000 young people in Walsall have received a ‘warts and all’ account of criminal life and prison by reformed offender Jamie Reid.
Jamie’s two hour talk forms part of a highly engaging presentation delivered in schools and pupil referral units
Jamie’s two hour talk forms part of a highly engaging presentation delivered in schools and pupil referral units to high risk pupils who may be vulnerable to criminal behaviour.
His message is clear and honest – giving a graphic account of his life as an offender, his time in prison and how he has now turned his life around.
Jamie committed his first offence at the age of 12 and then went on to carry out a string of offences ranging from robbery, assault, drug dealing and wounding with intent. In April 2005 he was sent to prison where he served four years.
The turning point in Jamie’s life came when he left prison in late 2008 and met his girlfriend. He decided he needed to address his drug addiction and settle into family life.
Walsall Police Sergeant Gary Iliff said: “Jamie’s account is very powerful. He is a real life example of how bad decisions coupled with family issues can take you down a self-destructive path.
“Jamie volunteers his time to speak to youngsters and after all his previous convictions it is encouraging to see him putting something useful back into the local community by guiding young people away from crime.”
A DVD has now been produced that captures Jamie’s presentation and enables pupils from schools outside the Borough to hear his story.
For further information about the project, contact PC Alan Poole on 101 extension 7881 6581.
