Ethical question - how do you feel about second chance??

I try to take people as I find them. There is no reason for people to tell anyone they've been in jail, so I probably wouldn't know. I do believe in rehabilitation, so wouldn't oppose someone who was trying to make a fresh start.

'Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future', as the saying goes.

For me, I think it would depend on the crime they'd committed.

Two people I worked to support live near me. I am happy to chat to them.
I know their offences and backgrounds. One had committed murder - it was a very specific situation. I honestly can't imagine him ever being a risk again and whilst I'm not "friends" with him wouldn't be bothered if he lived next door.

I once knew someone who was a high flying rather shady professional who committed fraud. He lost everything after he was released from prison. He tried to re-invent himself but is now a shadow of what he once was. It is very, very hard to re-integrate and I think a lot depends on what kind of person they were beforehand what sort of crime it was. Also, how they have dealt with the aftermath. You can get people who are totally re-generated and go on to help others who have found themselves where the ex-con once was. I think it is a case by case outcome.

How would you know Gran22boys?

Presumably if (say) Jaxjacky's friend's son was there you wouldn't know?

A friend of mine has been a prison visitor for many years, and consequently I have met people who have been released.

I agree that a second chance is a good thing but it needs to be properly supported in a positive way. Too often people arrive out of gaol to find their world is upside-down, even after a shortish sentence.

I always use Timpsons for watch repairs and keys for that very reason. They actively support ex-offenders.

I know two people who went to prison, one for GBH and the other with intent to cause GBH.
Both cases were surprising but the intent one especially so as it was very much out of character. I don't see him now but wouldn't snub him if he joined a club I belonged to.

It would very much depend on the offence, to be honest. There are some which I do believe do NOT deserve a second chance, under any circumstances.

Everyone can make mistakes and should be given a second chance. But not if the offence was violent.

The son of my friend served time for assault many years ago, he was a very young man. Subsequently married, runs his own business and has a son, he’s done work for us and I trust him. So, I suppose it depends Franbern on how I know them them, the circumstances and what they did.

I have worked with ex-offenders and would be OK about this.

You probably already know a couple but they haven't told you!

I don't know really. Most don't seem to serve their full term anyway and here in Scotland many are being let out early due to lack of space in our prisons.