'˜He deserves a second chance' - Your views on convicted gangland killer's plans for a Preston youth centre
At the age of 18, gang member Stephen Mellor was involved in the bloodbath killing of John Dookie outside the Variety pub in 1997 - but the 41-year-old says he has changed his ways and now wants to help youngsters in the city at risk of becoming involved in gang activity.
He said: “My passion lies within guiding these youths off the path I chose. I think there’s always going to be negative thoughts about my background. Yes I was involved in a terrible thing at 18, but I have this chance in my life to ensure others don’t follow that path.”
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Hide AdDefinitely has changed his life around. Good luck with your plan.
Andrew Duffy
Good luck to you. People in jail can change.
Georgina McDonald
Good luck to the guy, hope he’s successful in his plans.
James Alford
Glad that this is a negative that will turn to a positive for others.
Jennie Greenwood
Good on you, children need direction especially these days.
Stewart Hampton
Although a great idea to help young teens it must be very difficult for the victim’s family to see this.
Anna McKenzie
What an amazing thing to do. The streets of Preston are becoming increasingly scary for good kids growing up that are scared to go out just in case they are targeted.
Tracey Stags
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Hide AdNo better way to be taught right from wrong than from the person who did the wrong and lost a great deal of their youth. Good on him.
Gemma Mountford
Everybody deserves a second chance. He was a kid himself when he did this horrendous act. I hope that he can help others with this youth centre, help other young people to see that education can help them towards a positive future.
Georgia Daly
This is great and I’m glad the prison system gave him the opportunity to change his life. Not everyone takes that opportunity.
Nic Lou Newsham
It’s not often those with a second chance turn things around and make something good after a terrible thing. I wish him every success.
Laila Ali
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Hide AdUsed to teach us at college a few years ago, what a guy. Everyone loved him and he definitely bettered our college and the people who went there too.
Shannon Jackson
Preston needs this man to help these children! He has the personality and charisma they will listen to! He’s worked incredibly hard since those days.
Lisa Corner
This is a good idea, hope it stops crime or at least reduces it. No one is safe any more. Good luck.
Nichola Child
All the best Ste. You should be proud of yourself.
Stevie Jackson
Good on him. The only way the youth are gonna listen is from someone who’s been there themselves and suffered the highest penalty for going down the wrong line.
Hayden Jillions
Hope you can steer at least one child in the right direction and keep them out of prison good luck hope to see it open soon.
Karen Young