“I'm a victim of several young offenders, who thought in their wisdom, their words not mine that they were 'untouchable'. Decided when they wanted some entertainment to cause me constant grief with verbal abuse, damage to my property and constant trespassing, which resulted in me having to move home. The outcome is I have been affected mentally but am slowly mending and my family have also been affected, angry and frstrated at not being able to do anything to help. Eventually some of them were caught and have been brought to justice and the outcome well what a surprise, the youth offending system trying to sort their lives out. Well, what about mine well, I lost my home, although now settled in another. My nerves are not so good, although with the support of my family and friends I am on the mend. Although this ex young offender has turned his life around what about his victims, does he ever give them a thought. How much help have they been given to put their lives back together after being on the receiving end of this boy? Probably none, us victims have to rely on our family and friends to guide us back to normality.”

“I could not have put it better myself Doley, that cider must reach parts other drinks can't, the brain.”

“i think this is great, this lad has admitted his faults and done something about it! There are lots of different people in this world and yes we are the ones who make the choice for what we do, but young people are vunerable to their peers and make the wrong choices. Well done for making the right choice this time and keep this in mind as only you are in charge of what choices you make that can lead to good or bad consequences!”

“Right,so there you have it folks,crime does pay! So,if there are any adults out there who fancy being trained as a plumber etc why not rob the local bookies,thump a copper or steal a banker's car to receive a prison sentence and hence the training but don't hurt anyone because you only get probation for beating-up the elderly up etc.”

“He should have something scratched onto his forehead.”

“Im in a poorly paid job, like many people,so I went to the jobcentre to ask if I could do some kind of gvt backed course, Id heard that you can get help with taking HGV lessons/test,you can, if your a recovering drug addict with a comprehensive record.Basically I have to ruin my life completely first,lose everything I have,go into rehab and then would they help me. Hmm..Die standing or Live on your Knees.”

“I think it says more about commrad Brown's one size fits all view of the education system.”

“For once Doley I would have to agree with you. The kids that go off the rails gets everything. But having said that I also feel we should praise him for trying.”

“A student who knuckles down gets a better education and job prospects. This lad has got none of that yet, ok he started out on the wrong path in life but in my view at least he is trying to make amends and is trying to make a better life for himself. Keep trying hard and you will make a sucess of your life.”

“Couldn't have said it better myself Doley.”