Welcome to another episode of Right From Wrong. I’m Jacob Dunne, and today, I’m sharing one of the most pivotal chapters of my journey—one that completely reshaped my understanding of accountability, forgiveness, and the power of restorative justice.

In this episode, I’m honoured to be joined by two incredible women who have profoundly impacted my life: Joan Schofield and Nicola. Joan is the mother of James Hodgkinson, the young man whose life was tragically cut short because of my actions in 2011. Her strength, courage, and willingness to engage in restorative justice changed both of our lives in ways I could never have imagined. Nicola, a restorative justice practitioner, was instrumental in guiding our conversations, helping us navigate the complex emotions and difficult questions that arose throughout this journey.

Together, we reflect on the long and often painful path from punishment to redemption. You’ll hear about the initial questions Joan had for me, the difficult but necessary conversations Nicola facilitated, and how those moments forced me to truly take responsibility and begin the process of healing. Joan’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of restorative justice—not just for those who commit crimes, but for the victims and their families seeking answers, closure, and a way forward.

We also discuss the bigger picture, exploring how restorative justice offers a path to healing and understanding that traditional punitive systems often overlook. Joan and Nicola share their insights into how this approach can break cycles of harm, foster reconciliation, and create meaningful change in communities.

This is a deeply personal and emotional dialogue, filled with moments of vulnerability, honesty, and hope. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the choices we make next can lead to profound change and healing.

Join me as we unpack these themes and share how, through open communication and mutual understanding, we all found a way to move forward. If you’re curious about the deep impact of restorative justice and the power of human connection, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

00:01:05 My Journey from Excuses to Accountability. I reflect on my struggles post-conviction and how making excuses held me back—until I realised the importance of taking responsibility and truly understanding the impact of my actions.

00:02:55 Meeting Joan and Nicola. I introduce Joan, the mother of the young man I killed, and Nicola, the facilitator who guided our restorative justice journey, and I share how much they have influenced my life.

00:04:32 The Role of Nicola in Restorative Justice. Nicola explains the process of restorative justice, including the careful steps taken to ensure both sides feel safe and supported before engaging in direct dialogue.

00:05:58 What Restorative Justice Really Means. Nicola defines restorative justice and explains how it provides an opportunity for victims and offenders to understand each other’s perspectives, leading to potential healing and accountability.

00:11:41 My First Meeting with Nicola. Nicola recalls our first conversation, where my remorse was clear, and how she conveyed my emotional state to Joan and David, deepening mutual understanding.

00:13:45 The First Questions Joan Had for Me. Joan had many difficult but important questions about that night—questions that pushed me to confront the reality of what I had done and be completely honest about my actions.

00:16:43 Joan’s Hopes for My Future. Joan shares why she wanted to see me change, how she wanted to...