Young man asks for RJ to apologise to victim of assault, from Prison

Steve was a 19 yr old offender who asked to engage with RJ.

He was convicted of several burglaries and street robberies along with with his friend who had been present at the robberies. Both had been involved in a fight in the street which led to their eventual arrest. George, the victim, had driven around a corner to see Steve and his friend attacking two of George’s own friends. George pulled his car up and shouted at Steve and his friend. 

At that time, the George was a student at Lincoln Uni studying film and media. Steve and his friend turned on George and although he is a very placid person, he felt he had to defend himself. He was punched in the jaw causing significant damage which required his jaw to be reconstructed with metal plates and he punched back, managing to break his hand which also required operations and pinning. George missed part of his final year at University but did use the experience as the base for his final film production. He agreed to meet with Steve. After preparing both young men and working with Probation in the Prison and with Steve’s Prison Officer, we all met in a room at the Prison. Both young men were very honest with each other, with George eventually saying he would like to meet Steve after he has been released, to see if he is turning his life around. Steve was very moved by this and whilst he generally finds it difficult to express himself, he relaxed during the Conference and was able to communicate his regret and to apologise for what George had been through. The prison officer shook George’s hand at the end, thanking him for his openness and acceptance. He told him that he felt it would help Steve a great deal.