Young offenders make short film

A group of teenagers in Wiltshire have made a short film about their regrets and the impact offending has had on their families and local community.

The 10-minute film features five young people from Swindon talking about their experiences and will be shown during "Inside Justice Week".

The project has been funded by Swindon Youth Offending Team and Create Studios in the town.

Schools will also show it to 10 to 18-year-olds to deter them from offending.

'Think twice'

Councillor Gary Perkins, of Swindon Borough Council, said: "Anyone who sees this film cannot fail to be moved by the frank statements and views held by these young offenders, some of whom have experienced life in prison.

"This is much more likely to be understood by other young people simply because it is not an adult lecturing them, but other young people keen to share their experiences and how offending has affected their future prospects."

Leon Morrison, one of the young people taking part in the project, said: "Knowing that I was going to go down was the worst thing.

"By then it was too late. Now I want to tell everyone not to do what I did. By talking to kids and telling them what happened to me I hope they will think twice."

The film is being shown on 24 October at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon and is open to members of the public between 1400 and 1500 BST.