Gang life is behind me says LJ from Gloucester, aged 13

“"I'm a girl and kids like this actually frighten me. - by SpeedHorn"

That's correct, and I can understand why, but don't expect any sympathy form "Everhopefull" and the likes - their sympathy is reserved for, "reformed gangsters" and uncontrollable savage BRATS.


"The point is there is no point in keep telling someone they are useless, they're bad" - "Everhopefull"


Tell that to their victims, not to me, and if you think that makes YOU a bad person, that's up to you - we are all entitled to our opinions - if he has changed, like you seem to think so, he will have to prove that then...


Great, all these "reformed gangsters" the country will soon be on the 'mend' - remember, just keep telling them they're good and respect etc, even when you've been a VICTIM, just keep preaching until they kill you! - Hail and Obey!”

“Presumably, the teacher who got beaten up was trying to tell LJ the error of his ways.

BTW, the teacher-beating incident happened at another school, before he moved to Tredworth Junior.”

“Also, I would like to add that I would love to have the confidence to tell one of these kids off when they are doing something wrong, but I don't. I'm a bit of a chicken in that respect.”

“I'm a girl and kids like this actually frighten me. I have been scared many times by gangs of them hanging round either outside my own house or around town.

It just makes it worse when they damage my property, which has happened on several occasions.

I am fed up with feeling intimidated by groups of feral children. Everyone should respect others and the property belonging to others; this respect appears to be missing from large groups of society these days

Perhaps I'm bitter.

I truly hope that this kid sorts himself out and contributes to society in a positive way. But there is something missing from this article....an apology. Saying sorry and meaning it goes a long way.”

“Never assume anything sticks_stones. I've been a victim many times which is why rather than keep telling this CHILD he will not change I'd rather spend my time encouraging and supporting him to change. After all where did empty angry words ever get anyone?

The point is there is no point in keep telling someone they are useless, they're bad , they have no future, they don't deserve a second chance.... He has to live and grow like every other child . So rather than tell him there is no point in behaving because he's already soooooo bad, doesn't it make sense for his, societies and his victims sake that he be encouraged and supported to do well and change his ways?

If it were your child would you not want him to have a second chance , change his ways and become a productive member of society? He says he is leaving that life behind. I hope he does. Why not turn your negativity into something positive and offer him some encouragement!

I'm not sure what you mean by people like me as you don't even know me. However as I never judge a book by it's cover I stopped to talk to LJ , to tell him off, explain the error of his ways and encouraged him to do better for his sake...... I'm glad I did and I'll continue to do so. So if that makes me a bad person then there really is no hope for any of us is there?”

“Try to ignore the negative comments on here as it's coming from people who want to see you fail" - "by Everhopefull"

He has failed, or haven't you noticed? It's people with your attitude that have failed "LJ" - pandering to DISRESPECTFUL and violent behaviour, whilst 'turning a blind eye' to it's victims.

Ignore his crimes - just preach, respect LJ respect...



This country is in a very dire state - it's time for a serious overhaul!”

“I think if he did something to prove he was in fact truly sorry for what he'd done then I'd have more faith/respect for him, even at 13.

Just turning up at another school (which is a privilege not all countries would offer him) to me doesn't show contrition.

I'm not saying he should be beaten or flogged but simply asked to show positive evidence that he's prepared to contribute back. So far, he's simply still taking and not "giving". As the chap on this thread has said, he's had his car keyed - twice - so I expect he'd like to see some kind of positive effort.

Maybe some voluntary charity or community work for a while, just to show it's not all crocodile tears. Yes, he's only 13 but he still burgled, carried knives etc and should have known better, irrespective of his age and blaming other people.

I also agree that his parents should express their views as well ...

A good start, but not enough positive-community payback (yet), in my opinion to warrant any kind of accolade!

That said, I hope he continues to stay out of trouble and become a good citizen.”

“I wonder whose idea this article was? It doesn't seem to have gone entirely to plan, if the idea was to publish an inspirational tale of rehabilitation...”

“Pity the chubby little specimin didnt have his picture taken with his parents, which would of added weight to statement his he making and would indicate he has support. Personally I'd like to have seen some action and evidence of his effort rather than his best intentions. Go away and come back when you have some proof you have changed you little stupid thug.”

“How curious that my last couple comments I got so many red votes, thus proving my point about the bullying whingers. Or, given the timing, more likely just one insecure bully that has worked out how to vote mutiple times and finds my views, about people turning their life around, incompatible with their wish to write somebody off as being worthless.

Ho hum... I he'll (most likely) get some perspective sooner or later. We can only laugh at such attitudes and then prove them wrong.

Just remember - if you keep telling somebody that they destined to be worthless criminals, eventually many of them will believe you, and act accordingly.”