Brian was sentenced to the Thinking Skills programme and supervision for driving while disqualified.
He had an extensive criminal history which included motoring offences and violence against a former partner.
At the start of his probation order order Brian was very hostile towards probation and engaged poorly. Things started to change when Brian was awarded funding through SSPTs Employment, Training and Education (ETE) department to attend a carpentry course at a local college. He quickly became a star pupil, which gave him the confidence boost he needed to start the Thinking Skills programme.
Brian responded well to group sessions and, as an older member, emerged as a mentor to some of the younger men.
He worked with his offender manager in supervision to re-establish supervised contact with his two children, who were in the care of the local authority.
Brian passed the carpentry course, obtaining the highest marks in the group. He has not reoffended and his court order was revoked by the court on the grounds of good progress.
He is now actively seeking employment and enjoys regular unsupervised contact with his children. His partner and close family say Brian is a changed man and much happier and calmer.
