CSP 19-Reforming Lives, Transforming Communities, and Campaigning for Prison Reform with David Breakspear

The criminal justice system exists to create better and safer communities for everyone. People who commit serious crimes are sentenced to prison for them to reflect on their actions, and hopefully, come out better.

In today’s special episode, we ask the question: Can criminals reform? What are the circumstances that led them to a life of crime in the first place? What realisations can bouncing in and out of the prison system bring? And how can prison reform address issues on criminality? Having spent the majority of his adult life in prison, our guest sheds light on these questions and more.  

David Breakspear, a former career criminal and prisoner, candidly shares his life story with us. At the age of 10, he committed his first criminal offence which led to crimes that went on for four decades. Now, David does amazing work on prison reform and transforming communities. Indeed, prisoners aren’t inherently bad people and everyone is capable of change. It's about having the right mindset to move forward in life. With his experience of the criminal justice system, David shares his thoughts on prison reform and working towards what is best for the majority. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about the life of a prisoner and what it takes to push for prison reform!

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 

1. Discover how the criminal justice system has affected prisoners’ lives.
2. Learn the importance of prison reform.
3. David shares his experience from his first criminal offence and how his prison life transformed his life.

Resources

• Check out the Noise App!
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• Contact David LinkedIn | Blog | Website
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• A Father’s Son by David Breakspear

Episode HighlightsDavid’s Childhood 

• David’s home life was quite happy. He grew up in a large family in the southeast of England.
• His adverse childhood experiences stem from sexual abuse away from home at age eight. 
• He and his mate used to go to a toy shop owned by their abuser. At that time, even though it didn’t feel right, they didn’t think the abuse was wrong. 
• So, they kept coming back. They also took advantage of the shop’s layout to steal some toys.

Grappling with the Abuse

• David never opened up about his experience to his family. 
• Two years after the abuse, he contracted viral meningitis. 
• At this period, David felt lost. He frequently experienced panic attacks and had trouble sleeping.
• He was never comfortable away from home because he’d be too distressed and upset.