Reformed addict visits his old school

Reformed heroin and crack addict Mark Johnson was today visiting his old school in Kidderminster to talk to pupils about the dangers of making the wrong choices in life.

Mr Johnson, a former pupils of Comberton Middle School, now part of King Charles I School in Kidderminster, was due to go back to the classrooms to talk about his transformation into a Government adviser and author of the book Wasted.

This will be his second return visit to the school in 12 months and the 38-year-old said during his last visit that it was a privilege to visit the town which held such a special place in his life. In his book Mr Johnson talks abut being sexually abused as a youngster and the victim of violent abuse.

He first got drunk at eight and was taking heroin when only 11 years old and after a time in borstal he became hooked on drugs.

Only nine years ago he was living in a doorway and has since turned his life around to become a Government adviser and holds regular meetings with the Prince of Wales through his work with the Prince's Trust.

Students at the school have been reading his book and Mark hopes to persuade pupils not to follow his early crime-ridden life.

They will also be involved with sessions with representatives from the Fire Service, Prison Service, Police, Turning Point, Youth Offending and Probation as part of an awareness day. Subjects covered will also include road safety and the consequences of arson. Mr Johnson said: "At school, children are not prepared mentally or emotionally for the world outside.

"I really want to support this event as part of Inside Justice week, and want to be part of educating children on the fundamental aspects of law and the way it works.

"This isn't part of their curriculum so I will do whatever I can to help make it, as I believe it should be developed, into mainstream education."