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The Lancashire Telegraph
News, sport and entertainment from all over East Lancashire
Former Blackburn gang member warns of consequences (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Former Blackburn gang member warns of consequences
5:20pm Monday 30th August 2010 in Every Action Has Consequences campaign
By David Watkinson, Deputy news editor
A FORMER gang member has returned to the estate where he grew up to help steer teenagers away from a life of crime.
John Magee, 37, said he spent most of his teenage years trying to avoid the police, as he took part in crime in the Roman Road and Highercroft areas of Blackburn.
Anti-social behaviour, drink and drug abuse, violence and petty theft became a way of life for John as said he bowed to pressure from his peers.
But now, after succeeding in turning his life around, he has devised a series of workshops to help others do the same.
John, who has adopted the pseudonym ‘Mister Consequence’ for his motivational talks, said: “I grew up on Highercroft when it was one of the most deprived estates in the north and notorious for high levels of crime.
“I got into trouble myself – from taking drugs and stealing, to gang-related crime.
“The turning point was when I saw a relative lying in a coma after a heroin overdose.
“That was when I realised I had to get my life sorted out.”
After turning around his life, John now wants to help others through a series of workshops.
He got the idea after meeting the family of Adam Rogers, who devised the Consequences campaign, backed by the Lancashire Telegraph, to raise awareness of the dangers of senseless violence.
Adam was killed after a ‘single punch’ attack on a night out in Blackburn last year.
With Community and Business Partners, Mr Magee is now launching a scheme in Highercroft.
Workshops will highlight the risks and consequences of drink and drug abuse, gang crime, underage sex, bullying and violence.
The sessions take place through the Highercroft Action Group and the Yo Club in Roman Road.
For more information visit www.misterconsequence.co.uk.
Comments are closed on this article.
Comments (16)
7:57pm Mon 30 Aug 10
badboy says...
8:46pm Mon 30 Aug 10
Scooby says...
9:35pm Mon 30 Aug 10
Little Diamond says...
5:27am Tue 31 Aug 10
adelaideblue says...
8:45am Tue 31 Aug 10
Little Diamond says...
8:46am Tue 31 Aug 10
DEO VOLENTE says...
Deus Vobiscum
1:08pm Tue 31 Aug 10
time.team says...
But I wish you well and pleased that your trying to make something of your life. Good luck to you and hope your able to persuade others!
2:05pm Tue 31 Aug 10
andy1 says...
4:58pm Tue 31 Aug 10
duke bar says...
If he is genuine fair play to him
People who are criminals ,learn nothing from probation officers ,policemen or the judges who send them to jail.
If an excon can talk some sense into these people good luck to him.
Its easy to knock ,and put people down.
If he can change 1 lad or lass from commiting more crime this is excellent as the judges and police can not do it.
7:30pm Tue 31 Aug 10
DEO VOLENTE says...
8:39pm Tue 31 Aug 10
excaliber says...
8:41pm Tue 31 Aug 10
excaliber says...
9:45pm Tue 31 Aug 10
DEO VOLENTE says...
Deus Vobiscum.
8:58am Wed 1 Sep 10
proud_mummy says...
10:34am Wed 1 Sep 10
Chris P Bacon says...
3:39pm Wed 1 Sep 10
defective typewriter says...
the time is now... and always is.