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...

In this episode of Right From Wrong, I'm taking you on an incredibly personal journey alongside someone who has been instrumental in my path to redemption: Wendy, my probation officer from all those years ago. When my life was at its lowest point, Wendy stepped in to help me navigate the complexities of probation, the court system, and, most importantly, myself.

We'll be diving deep into the transformative period when I first met Wendy—shy, confused, and absolutely terrified—right through to the moment I decided to take part in restorative justice. Wendy's unwavering support, insight, and persistence have been pivotal in my journey from punishment to accountability and ultimately, to redemption.

We'll explore how Wendy played a critical role not just in keeping tabs on me during probation but in pushing me toward opportunities that fostered my growth. From suffering the bewilderment of pre-sentencing to facing the raw emotions of communicating with my victim's parents, every step was crucial, and Wendy was there through it all.

This episode is particularly special because it showcases the power of compassionate guidance and the ripple effect it can have on someone's life, emphasizing the human side of the justice system. Wendy and I reflect on those dark, uncertain times and celebrate the milestones that have shaped my life today.

Tune in to hear Wendy's perspective on how restorative justice can change lives and the emotional conversations that underpin the essence of true accountability. Whether you're curious about restorative justice, interested in stories of redemption, or simply in need of a bit of hope, this episode has something to offer.

Key Moments

00:01:43 Wendy’s Role and Initial Encounter. Jacob introduces Wendy as his probation officer and recalls the initial connection made through a family friend concerned about his wellbeing.

00:02:52 Wendy’s First Impressions of Jacob. Wendy describes Jacob’s demeanour when they first met—quiet, shy, and in a state of shock—and her attempt to explain the court process to him.

00:04:18 Pre-Sentencing Recommendations. Wendy details her recommendations to the judge, emphasising the importance of a minimal custodial sentence due to Jacob's age and personal circumstances.

00:05:40 Changes in Jacob During Prison. Wendy reflects on the changes in Jacob’s demeanour six months into his prison sentence, noting his shift towards a “hard man” survival mode.

00:06:57 Jacob’s Release on New Year’s Eve. Wendy shares her concerns about Jacob’s release date being New Year’s Eve, fearing he might celebrate excessively and potentially slip back into old habits.

00:07:41 Post-Prison Life and Housing Struggles. Jacob and Wendy discuss the challenges Jacob faced with unstable housing upon his release and her efforts to help him find stability.

00:10:00 Respect in the Wrong Context. Jacob talks about the misguided respect he received from his neighbourhood upon his release and the risks of slipping back into old behaviours.

00:11:00 Wendy’s Concerns and Support. Wendy emphasises the vulnerability of individuals transitioning out of prison, highlighting the importance of stability and her methods to support Jacob during this period.

00:12:02 Introduction to Restorative Justice. Wendy recalls receiving the initial call about restorative justice and being quite unfamiliar with the concept before Jacob’s case.

00:14:00 The Impact of David and Joan’s Letter. Wendy describes the emotionally charged moment when she and Jacob listened to the letter from the victim’s parents, a pivotal point in Jacob’s journey of accountability.

00:16:02 Engaging with Restorative Justice. Jacob...

On this first episode of Right From Wrong, we're delving deep into stories of transformation, brotherhood, and the harsh realities of growing up in challenging environments. I'm joined by my close friend, Akai Douglas, who was there the night my single punch tragically ended a life. Akai stands as a testament to resilience and change, having faced his own life-altering challenges.

Together, we reflect on our shared journey from the vibrant yet often dangerous nights out in Nottingham’s Meadows to grappling with the repercussions of a heartbreaking event that changed many lives forever. Akai recounts the moments leading up to my imprisonment, the police investigations that ensued, and the support systems—or lack thereof—that we encountered.

We also touch on Akai’s own extraordinary struggle following a violent attack he endured and his inspiring decision to channel that pain into becoming a campaigner for change and justice. From the visceral fear of those dark days to our ongoing quests for redemption, this conversation is packed with raw honesty and powerful insights.

Join us as we uncover the complexities of loyalty, the heavy toll of our past actions, and the hopeful paths we now tread in our efforts to make amends and build better futures. This episode is more than just a story—it's a call to understand, to empathise, and to drive meaningful change.

00:02:26 Akai's Perspective on the Meadows. Akai provides his view on the Meadows, highlighting the contrasting experiences of beauty and danger within the community, encapsulating its isolation and tight-knit social fabric.

00:03:29 Nights Out and Youthful Rivalries. Jacob and Akai reminisce about their energetic and often tumultuous nights out as teenagers, acknowledging the blend of camaraderie and conflict that characterised their youth.

00:07:19 Challenges of Growing Up in a Tough Environment. The duo delves into the pressures and expectations of growing up in an area rife with conflicts and rivalries, emphasising the ever-present need to prove oneself.

00:11:33 The Life-Altering Punch. Jacob recalls the night he threw a fatal punch, and Akai reflects on the immediate aftermath, the community's reaction, and the heavy police presence that followed.

00:14:44 Facing the Consequences. Jacob and Akai discuss the intense pressure from the police and community, illustrating the fear and uncertainty faced by their peer group during the investigation.

00:16:15 The Code of Silence and Snitching. They explore the cultural code against snitching in their community, and Jacob discusses the internal conflict and eventual acceptance of people coming forward with the truth.

00:17:06 Court and Prison Memories. Akai shares his memories of supporting Jacob through court appearances and his time in prison, highlighting the emotional and physical toll on both of them.

00:20:15 Support and Friendship. The conversation turns to the crucial support Akai provided Jacob upon his release, underscoring the power of friendship and community in difficult times.

00:23:32 Resilience and Accountability. Jacob reflects on his time in prison and the mental resilience required to endure it, while Akai recounts visiting him and the harsh realities shared during those visits.

00:27:51 Akai's Turning Point. Akai shares his own transformative moment after surviving a violent attack, detailing his journey from seeking revenge to becoming a campaigner against violence.

00:31:12 Breaking the Cycle. They discuss the importance of breaking the cycle of violence through self-empowerment, positive role models, and engaging in new, constructive activities.

00:32:50 Building Genuine...