"After falling into the drug culture at age 16, my use of drugs increased steadily over the years until I was finally arrested for smuggling a kilogram of cocaine from Holland where I lived in December 1995. Nine months later I was given a 12 year sentence that was subsequently reduced to 10 years on appeal. I was able to put drugs behind me at the beginning of my imprisonment as a result of my Christian conversion and faith in God.

My beliefs that had roots in my childhood attendance of Sunday school, continued to grow despite hostile opposition from inmates and prison officers that my conversion was genuine. I got down to serious Bible study that challenged all areas of my attitude and behaviour. My credibility as a Chistian proved over time to be more and more evident to others and I was then able to help other inmates deal with their problems too.

I was released on parole in December 2000 after serving five years because of good behaviour. Three months before my release I realised I had a story to tell and was determined to write my autobiography. I had prepared myself well by reading many stories of conversion in prison from the chaplain's library. I devoured hundreds of these books in five years and I believe they inspired me to tell all and use it to help others overcome their problems.

I am now a father of five children after marrying Su, taking on her four young ones and adding another little girl to the family. I worked as a carer for two years and as the caretaker of our new local community resource centre. I am currently in my second year as a degree student at the Bible College of Wales, Swansea. I am constantly in the public eye and it is a witness to the community that people can really change and use their experiences to empower others."

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