Feb 05 2025 35 mins
Welcome to another episode of Right From Wrong. I’m Jacob Dunne, and today, I’m sharing one of the most pivotal chapters of my journey—one that completely reshaped my understanding of accountability, forgiveness, and the power of restorative justice.
In this episode, I’m honoured to be joined by two incredible women who have profoundly impacted my life: Joan Schofield and Nicola. Joan is the mother of James Hodgkinson, the young man whose life was tragically cut short because of my actions in 2011. Her strength, courage, and willingness to engage in restorative justice changed both of our lives in ways I could never have imagined. Nicola, a restorative justice practitioner, was instrumental in guiding our conversations, helping us navigate the complex emotions and difficult questions that arose throughout this journey.
Together, we reflect on the long and often painful path from punishment to redemption. You’ll hear about the initial questions Joan had for me, the difficult but necessary conversations Nicola facilitated, and how those moments forced me to truly take responsibility and begin the process of healing. Joan’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of restorative justice—not just for those who commit crimes, but for the victims and their families seeking answers, closure, and a way forward.
We also discuss the bigger picture, exploring how restorative justice offers a path to healing and understanding that traditional punitive systems often overlook. Joan and Nicola share their insights into how this approach can break cycles of harm, foster reconciliation, and create meaningful change in communities.
This is a deeply personal and emotional dialogue, filled with moments of vulnerability, honesty, and hope. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, the choices we make next can lead to profound change and healing.
Join me as we unpack these themes and share how, through open communication and mutual understanding, we all found a way to move forward. If you’re curious about the deep impact of restorative justice and the power of human connection, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Key Moments
00:01:05 My Journey from Excuses to Accountability. I reflect on my struggles post-conviction and how making excuses held me back—until I realised the importance of taking responsibility and truly understanding the impact of my actions.
00:02:55 Meeting Joan and Nicola. I introduce Joan, the mother of the young man I killed, and Nicola, the facilitator who guided our restorative justice journey, and I share how much they have influenced my life.
00:04:32 The Role of Nicola in Restorative Justice. Nicola explains the process of restorative justice, including the careful steps taken to ensure both sides feel safe and supported before engaging in direct dialogue.
00:05:58 What Restorative Justice Really Means. Nicola defines restorative justice and explains how it provides an opportunity for victims and offenders to understand each other’s perspectives, leading to potential healing and accountability.
00:11:41 My First Meeting with Nicola. Nicola recalls our first conversation, where my remorse was clear, and how she conveyed my emotional state to Joan and David, deepening mutual understanding.
00:13:45 The First Questions Joan Had for Me. Joan had many difficult but important questions about that night—questions that pushed me to confront the reality of what I had done and be completely honest about my actions.
00:16:43 Joan’s Hopes for My Future. Joan shares why she wanted to see me change, how she wanted to prevent further harm, and why she chose to engage with restorative justice despite her unimaginable loss.
00:20:10 Writing Letters to Joan and David. I recall the letters I wrote to Joan and David—letters that were incredibly difficult but necessary to express my remorse and my commitment to change.
00:22:27 Preparing for Our First Meeting. Nicola explains how we gradually built up to the face-to-face meeting, with each stage helping to establish trust and readiness for that moment.
00:26:33 Our Emotional First Meeting. Joan and I share our reflections on that first in-person conversation—the raw emotions, the honesty, and the beginning of a new understanding between us.
00:29:54 Our Ongoing Work and Collaborations. Nicola talks about how our story has led to greater public awareness, through documentaries, speaking engagements, and advocacy for restorative justice.
00:32:01 Why Restorative Justice Matters. Joan and I discuss how restorative justice provides the depth of understanding often missed in the traditional justice system, and how it has shaped both of us.
00:33:37 Advocating for Restorative Justice. Joan and Nicola discuss the need for restorative justice to be more widely available and why it should be a standard offering within the criminal justice system.
00:35:21 Final Reflections and Gratitude. I share my immense gratitude to Joan and Nicola for everything they have done—for their strength, patience, and willingness to be part of my transformation. This conversation is one I will never take for granted.
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