UK Justice Forum 🇬🇧
Off Topic and General Discussions => Off topic, general discussions and the Wide Awake Club. => Topic started by: nickwclarke on October 22, 2014, 04:44:50 PM
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Hi All,
I attended the 13th National Miscarriage of Justice Day on Saturday October 11th 2014 that was excellently organised by ‘United Against Injustice’ and got a lot out of the day that was held in the wonderful City of Liverpool.
I am in unfortunate position to be one of many thousands of innocent victims of miscarriage of justice that has been wrongly and unfairly convicted during a difficult time period for my family and myself. I could go on and on about what happened to me and how unfair it is but takes up too much posting space.
I will try and cut it down to a shortened version of events that has led me to being labelled a criminal for actions that was not my fault. I had a massive breakdown period back in 2004/05 and during this time period my Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the blood commonly known as leukaemia and he passed away on November 30th 2005.
I was given the wrong type of antipsychotic and antidepressants that completely changed my whole personality and started to have aggressive outburst to a point that I was more and less thrown out of my family home by Birmingham Social Services for my disruptive behaviour while my Dad was slowly getting weaker and was housebound.
I was diagnosed with high functioning autism in 2004 commonly known as Asperger syndrome, during that time period no one really had a clue how to treat an adult with AS with a mental breakdown. I was sent to several hostels where I was physically and verbally bullied by staff that should have been looking after me.
The last and final hostel I was verbally bullied by the staff that also made physical threats towards me and due to the wrong meds and chemical imbalance I got frustrated and kicked the bottom of a glass door that cracked. I was then pinned to the floor by 3 staff, if you feel under threat and are being forced onto the floor you going to lash out to defend yourself.
I pinched and scratched and kicked out causing minor cuts and bruises, the Police were called and I was arrested and taken to the Police Station. I had to endure 2 nights in a cell then I was taken straight from the station into the back of a prison van to Birmingham Magistrates Court and was charged with ABH and criminal damage even though I was clearly too mentally unstable to plead guilty.
I had to serve 3 weeks on remand at Winson Green Prison in Birmingham that then got granted the funding to stay at a specialist AS Hospital. I am now trying to clear my unfair criminal record as I want to help and support children with autism and other additional needs and find my previous convictions are preventing pursuing my dream job.
Thanks for reading and if anyone would like to read my full story can email me on the following email address. nicholaswalterclarke@gmail.com
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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Welcome to the forum Nick.
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Welcome to the forum Nick.
*&(+(+
nickwclarke2014@BhamUk
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Thank you for welcoming me as a new member to The UK Justice Forum. I am fully aware that many members on this board might not know much about autism awareness in general, thinking adults and children on the autistic spectrum have higher anxiety and stress levels with lots of sensory issues to cope with so are then more likely to lash out. One is then clouded and brainwashed into thinking adults and children on the autistic spectrum cannot control their temper so are going to be unpredictable!
The bad press about Asperger syndrome does not help my campaign to clear my name as you only hear the bad stories about adults with AS doing horrific crimes of mass murder and sexual abuse etc. We then get labelled as no hopers without any future, not capable to work full time and lack in social and communication skills.
This is am unfair way to label someone with autism as unpredictable and aggressive in nature that cannot hold down a job and cannot deal or cope well with strangers or sudden changes that cannot communicate well with others. Each individuals autism effects them in different ways to the next person with autism, so cannot really compare one individuals autism from the next person that has autism.
I worked full time for 13 years and did my job to a high standard and was always punctual and a reliable and well valued staff member. A new manager took over and was bullied out of my job after 1st bullying the former manager out of his job who also walked out due to having a stress related condition from bullying at work.
I come from a large family and have 6 sisters and 1 brother and I am am uncle to 10 nephews and 4 nieces with an 11th nephew on the way in February 2015. I was never aggressive in nature at school or the 13 years while at work as it not in my nature to be at all aggressive both verbally and physically.
Due to having Asperger's I can admit to being narrow minded and I am only focused on doing a support work job status. I will not consider another type of career, I would rather be unemployed for the rest of my life, I have just had to reluctantly put my flat onto the market. I would rather be poor again draining all my money and life savings I put into my flat to pay to get my convictions to the supreme courts to hopefully get quashed.
I am innocent and done nothing wrong and already have a certificate in autism awareness certificate for educator's and childcare level 1 certificate . You will find many adults with Asperger’s are great with kids, I am a very popular uncle, also have always found that I can get on and relate well with kids that warm to me naturally as they seem to like and get on better with adults with AS.
I was bullied into getting my criminal record and the bullies are seeing me suffer all my life for actions that could have and should have been avoided!
Safeguarding is far extreme and over the top nowadays! Not to dwell on the past look at the present by seeing the individual as they are now. Unless is serious offences against children of physical and sexual then fully agree should be barred for life working with children and vulnerable adults.
Sorry for such a long post I am just finding it extremely stressful the negativity I am getting from schools and homes that help and support children and young adults with autism and other additional needs, not to give me discretion I fully deserve. I have been told by a criminal law solicitor that I am in regular contact with that I can work with children and vulnerable adults with my present convictions as it is not in any way breaking the law by employing me as a potential staff member.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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unfortunately I think your story can be quite common. My Nephew suffered a similar "threat " because he attacked a helper in the home where he is. He was sitting quietly on his own when all of a sudden the room was filled by other residents who had just been on a trip and they were all noisy and rushing about . He just lashed out unfortunately then was restrained which made it worse.
the second occasion was when he was trying to live in a house ( within a home) and the "helpers" would come into the accommodation every day to help them cook , get dressed etc. On this occasion they sent a brand new helper that I understand he had not met before , with the same reaction.
He was sectioned for a while and I am not sure about a criminal record but he was interviewed by the police and threatened with borstal. He was also unfortunately in one of the Winterbourne institutions for a while.
The difference with him is he will never be allowed out in the community anyway , but with you it sounds as if your whole future has been jepordised through no fault of your own.
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*&(+(+ Guinness,
I may have posted too much information in one go that can be put members off from reading and do not have time today to respond fully to what you kindly shared with me that sadly happens a lot still nowdays autism is misunderstood by society in general.
I will not be defeated, I will pursue in my dream job have numerous amounts of highly respected people backing and supporting my campaign for fair justice, I am not just doing it for myself, many other innocent victims deserve to have fair justice on their side.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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I think I heard correctly that the police now have to be a lot more careful now when attending a situation where they think an illness is involved rather than a crime . I think one force was taking professional help with them where ever possible . So perhaps things may slowly be changing .
Unfortunately as far as residential care is concerned there is a long way to go.
with regards to legal process I was made aware of a very disturbing case recently where a young man with special needs died due to apparent neglect whilst under the care of the NHS . The parent not only have to fight for answers but pay for their own representation against the Trust. that can not be right can it?
BTW don't worry about your long post - I am sure the whole story is even longer and the effect on your life hard to bear.
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*&(+(+ once again Guinness for your reply,
I personally and so do many others feel hard done by the current British Justice System that is unfair and corrupt that is going against human rights by denying potentially excellent future staff from getting employment in the health and social care sector.
I am proud to be British and was born and raised in the UK, one would have thought the UK is a fair and liberated Country to live in that should not be discriminating and labelling people unfairly for having a none serious criminal record or a one off conviction.
Yet they come up with an enhanced DBS that stays with you till your 100th Birthday, one then has to live with a life sentence for a crime that you did not really commit if you were too mentally unstable at the time of arrested. I hear sad stories of someone at a young age while in their teens a time when many teenagers get up to no good and nick a bottle of vodka due to peer pressure or are bullied into committing a criminal offence.
Want to go to University to study medicine and cannot get their degree as they have a conviction that's not against children or vulnerable adults. To be punished all your life for have a one off criminal record is unfair and should automatically get filtered off the enhanced DBS check by relaxing the strict tight rules.
I have my local Labour MP supporting me since 2005 after I was in prison on remand and have a former Police Inspector backing me up as they can see how wrong it is to convict someone that was clearly mentally unwell at the time that was not fit to plead guilty in court.
By UK law you are not allowed to charge and convict someone that's too mentally unstable instead the individual should to be sectioned and cared for properly. I would also like to point out that not one staff member at the hostels I was staying at took charge of the anti psychotics and anti depressants. I was left all day unattended to roam the streets and carried my meds with me and at times overdosed or did not take the meds at all.
Side effects it gave me were memory loss and unpredictable behaviour patterns if you are not monitored properly. Self harming and attempts to end my life was not attention seeking or being naughty. The psychiatrist at the time came to the conclusion that I was fit to stand trial as I was not mentally ill just attention seeking and be naughty on purpose.
Why should I give into such an unfair law when I have done nothing wrong in the 1st place, the sad thing is the majority of the UK general public think that the tight rules are right and justified to have in place a zero tolerance attitude to anyone with a criminal record without looking into the reasons behind why they got them in the 1st place.
I will stop now as once again this post is becoming rather long again!
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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That is a long time to be fighting 8(8-)) Do you think you will get somewhere in the end?
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I have only be fighting to clear my convictions since December 2012, after I walking out of a full time job I managed to hold down for 13 years in May 2012 due to bullying from the manager.
It was a manual labour job and was not getting much job satisfaction and coped with the daily bullying for over 2 years when the former manager of over 25 years left due to stress from bullying from the deputy manager that bullied him out of his job as he wanted his position.
I was then the next victim as he did not like me as I take longer to take in and process information with up to a 40 seconds delay to respond back to him and then thinks I am taking the mick! This is unfair as the autistic brain takes in and processes information slower so might look as if we are not listening to what being said and may not give eye contact at times that's also a typical autistic trait. I can look into peoples eyes just not someone that bullying me as it makes me even more anxious and nervous.
I contacted my local MP as I was finding it hard to find employment helping and supporting children and vulnerable adults due to having an unfair criminal record. She has been excellent writing to the Justice Minister and West Midlands Police Chief Inspector both said I would have to go to the court of appeal to get my criminal record quashed.
What really frustrates me is a week before I was arrested and charged for ABH and criminal damage I wanted to be voluntarily sectioned under the mental health act outside an psychiatric hospital. I was turned away and refused to go so they called the police and was taken to the station and driven back to the hostel of hell!
I then had an outburst did look threatening and the Police arrived and was forcefully pushed onto the ground cuffed from behind and assaulted by a male police officer while I was still cuffed and did not provoke him in any way. I was taken back to the station and was further assaulted at the back of the patrol car and kept locked in a cell until the early hours of the morning with no offer of a drink of water or a meal! I was then once again driven back to the hostel of hell!
I wished the hostel refused to take me back again and was sent to a psychiatric ward instead as a week later was when I was arrested and charged for ABH and criminal damage. I would not have a criminal record haunting me if they dealt with my breakdown quicker.
I have written about my childhood to present day and hope once justice has been served I will publish my book that I hope will help and inspire others to push for fair justice for having an unfair criminal record against them.
Next post will be a lot more positive than this one with the good things I achieved over the past two years since walking out the job I did for 13 years to show I am slowly making steady progress to clear my convictions.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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As I said previously I been told by my criminal law solicitor that with my current conviction I am allowed to work with children and vulnerable adults it's the discretion of the organisation if they are willing to give me the breakthrough by giving me a probation period to see how I get on in doing the job role.
I am a regular volunteer for several local good causes that involves helping and supporting children and vulnerable adults that have all giving me discretion looking at me as I am now at the present and not to dwell and label me from the past when I was in the midst of a big breakdown period in my life!
It is very biased and unfair to label a victim as they are not at all a criminal just misunderstood at the time when they were mentally unstable. Someone like myself that has been through the ups and downs in life would be a very good role model to youngsters in society. I would be the last person to hurt a child or adult in any form as I know how it feels to be bullied and would never want to pose it on anyone else.
I have several mitigation letters in my favour and happy to copy and paste one mitigation letter minus the contact details;
I have known Nick for approximately one year, during my time as temporary part time Manager at Autism ********, where Nick is still a volunteer.
Nick was a pleasure to work with. He was always punctual, reliable and hard-working with a conscientious approach to all aspects of work. He has a warm, friendly and approachable personality and interacted well with volunteers, staff, and customers alike in a professional manner. He was polite and helpful and could be trusted to assist and serve customers, using his initiative to provide excellent customer service. He is a good team worker and would lend his hand to any task with enthusiasm and care.
Nick has an excellent understanding of his field of expertise; Aspergers and autism spectrum disorders, and worked alongside a volunteer who required supervision – where he showed great sensitivity. Indeed, Nick appears to be very highly regarded, trusted and accepted within his circle of friends and acquaintances; where in some cases he gives of his own time in order to assist and motivate young people on the autistic spectrum, setting appropriate boundaries when faced with challenging or unacceptable behaviours; drawing upon his knowledge, training and experience; whilst allowing for possible triggers in behaviour which he will have anticipated and identified. He has undertaken extensive training and qualifications to follow his desired career path to date. I understand that he also is involved in related support networks.
Nick also has an infectious sense of humour and fun, which serves him well and can inject a sense of reality and help diffuse potentially disruptive situations.
Nick has a very deep desire to advance in his chosen field, despite various setbacks, and he has worked tirelessly and diligently in his determination to rectify outdated personal circumstances which he feels have hampered his progress unfairly and which no longer reflect his current situation; such is his passion to succeed with what is on his heart to do. I would wholeheartedly and unreservedly support Nick in this as I feel he has a tremendous amount to offer a potential employer and deserves a chance to prove himself. Nick is dedicated and ‘lives and breathes’ his dream, and would be an asset to any organisation working with young people, where Nick appears to have a special affinity and talent.
I really need a paid job now, as so far every job I have applied for so far I do not even get to the interview stages due to having a criminal record that's not at all my true character! I have a mitigation letter and several character reference letters showing my true personality that I have always had apart from when I had a my breakdown.
One stage last year took up smoking for a while as I wanted to harm my health on purpose as I knew how bad smoking is for your health, I just did not care back then that I might have an early grave! I have not had one cigarette since December 31st 2013 as I now realise I will get there in the end as justice will finally be granted.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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Hi once again,
I been told I have done all I can do so far to prove that I am not a criminal it was the fault of those that should have known better in authority during my breakdown and diagnoses of AS. At the time of my breakdown period the UK's 2nd largest City Birmingham back in 2004/05 had no adult services for adults with Asperger syndrome. I was diagnosed by a child autistic psychologist at the age of 25 with AS.
I know numerous amounts of adults both male and female with AS working in the health and social care sector and are excellent support workers. Why should I be denied the opportunity to be able to help and support children and adults with additional needs live a more rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle.
The wage package is low that does not bother me at all as it more important to like and be happy in the job you do on a lower income. Also I am fully aware that at times the job can be extremely stressful and at times doing tasks that are not that pleasant to do that I can adapt to easily.
Why should I be denied employment working with children and vulnerable adults when currently there are staff that are working with children and vulnerable adults that have previous none serious convictions before the tragic murder of Holly and Jessica with the evil monster Ian Huntley in Soham.
Since his evil act it has blown opportunities for law abiding citizens that have gone through a bad period during their life with minor or one off conviction. Many of the general public seem to agree with this unfair rule they put in place! Politicians have not got a clue about real life in general for the average working to middle class citizen.
They can do a serious crime sexually assaulting children and are allowed to appeal despite having strong evidence they did the evil act on an innocent young defenceless victim. They have the money to appeal as their status also benefits them to jump ahead of the public that are also appealing at the Supreme Court.
The UK Justice System is outdated and biased and an unfair system as so many mentally related prisoners are wrongly sentenced and are serving a long or live prison sentence for a crime they never committed are were mentally unstable at the time of being convicted. Many of the general public are brainwashed into thinking anyone with a criminal record even if it is a petty or one off criminal offence should be labelled in a negative way all their life.
We are living in a free modern democratic country and this unfair law and regulation needs to be reviewed and relaxed more to separate the real criminals from those with minor or one of convictions. I feel like I am living in North Korea and not the UK under communism to label someone for having a mental breakdown and similar scenarios.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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I can emphasize with you Nick having been dealt a very similar hand through no fault of my own. Getting any conviction overturned is an onerous and uphill task and can be soul destroying as well as very expensive. I have learned that the justice system dreads overturning wrongful convictions since they bring their cherished system into disrepute. One saving grace however is that there is no time limit on bringing an application to the CCRC.
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Thanks John & sorry to read that you are also a victim of injustice and are right about The British Justice System do not want to admit when they make costly mistakes that the ruins that individuals who life!
Another important factor to share about autism in general is that it often termed as a 'hidden disability' as a child or adult on the autistic spectrum look perfectly formed and normal in appearance. While a child or adult with down syndrome you can tell that they have a disability by their looks. Adults with down syndrome can also work full time, marry and raise a family. I have a good friend with downs and she works full time and has been in relationships and owns her own property with a mortgage.
My personality changed when I was being assessed by a psychiatrist being polite and helpful so then thought I was mentally stable as I was good at hiding my unpredictable behaviour so then assumed I knew exactly what I was doing was wrong and should plead guilty. My family and I trusted the criminal lawyer representing me at magistrates court that if I plead guilty will be over and done with by not having to go through the crown court before a jury and superior judge.
My family did not know I was in prison or would have come to Birmingham Magistrates Court for moral support as my social worker decided to hold back this important information. At the police station my hostel manager turned up to be my appropriate adult who got a service user to break the door lock into my bedroom who punched me in the face for refusing to go into work and walked out again!
I am not making all these incidents and events up as adults and children with AS find it hard to tell lies or make up stories! Maybe one of the moderators or members of this forum can give me some advice if I can plea straight with CCRC as it taking forever for my criminal law solicitor to take my unfair convictions to the supreme court. Could my case be termed as exceptional circumstances as I have kept all the original court archives and family emails and medical records clearly showing I was unfit to plead guilty.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/about/criminal-cases-review-commission (http://www.justice.gov.uk/about/criminal-cases-review-commission)
Last night I watched crimes court on CCTV and a guy in the middle of Bedford Town Centre was swinging a machete in public view and was waving it at police officers and he gets a slap on the wrist with just a community order and a 8 month suspended prison sentence!
Yet they rather lock up a mentally ill vulnerable adult 3 weeks on remand for self defending after being a victim of bullying being pinned and restrained in the incorrect way. You are not meant to try and drag down someone onto the full by pulling them. You need to grab the person from behind and wait until they have calmed them down again and not forcing them onto the floor.
A similar incident happened recently the police were called to a home for adults with distress behaviour after an autistic man had a meltdown and was restrained for several hours. When the police officers arrived they said you should not be calling us you as he needs professional psychiatric care and support. The staff were charged in the end for using excessive amount of force and pinning the man with autism for several hours!
I would like to share a 7 minute documentary I participated in and appear just after the purple sensory room shot at 4:10 in a children autism charity shop I regularly volunteer at.
pX3xo8#ws]Autism and the Police: A Postcode Lottery (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyp[Name removed)
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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There is still a long way to go to raise awareness not just autism and the police and British Justice System! Other mentally related individuals with unfair convictions are still occurring with thousands of prisoners locked away in prison. It is bad enough if you are mentally stable as you leave prison mentally unstable, one can now see why suicide is going up in prisons!
When I was unfairly placed in prison when I had a breakdown they knew I had additional needs and even said I am feeling suicidal when I was being booked in and one of the prison officer started to laugh and make a joke about it making that made me feel worse. I was put in a main prison wing sharing with a cell mate that was aggressive at times towards me! I should have been kept in the hospital wing of the prison as a vulnerable adult with a mental breakdown period.
I was told that a West Midlands Police Officer recently made fun of a young adult that showed an autism alert awareness card to show emergency services that he was on the autistic spectrum so may come across as acting in a strange manner due to his autism. The officer snatched it off his hand and destroyed the card in front of him laughing as he did it. This of course made it worse and the young adult lashed out and then gets done for assaulting a police officer.
It should be made compulsory that every single UK police officer should be trained to deal autism related call outs as many adults and children with autism have sensory issues so can imagine a police car siren going right beside them with the loud sound will just make them even more aggressive as they cannot cope with the loud siren! We tend to have more sensitive hearing patterns picking out sounds others would not pick up on.
It is termed as being hyper sensitive to sounds and then being grabbed is another wrong thing to be doing as some adults and children with autism will then hit out as it physically causing them pain. Clothing can cause physical pain which is why some children and adults with autism tend to strip naked if given the opportunity and then are charged for indecent exposure!
Then being locked away in a confined space for several hours at the police station just fusses the situation. Instead need to have professional psychiatric help at a hospital unit rather then a police cell and prison cell.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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Hi Nick and welcome to the forum ?{)(**
Have you heard of the psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist Simon Baron-Cohen? He is a world leading expert on autism and as. I've listened to lots of his presentations on YouTube in connection with psychopathy and the WHF/Jeremy Bamber case.
Have you read the book/seen the play 'Curious incident of the dog in the night-time'? If so would you say it is an accurate portrayal of someone with as?
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Hi Holly,
I do enjoy reading books about Asperger syndrome and autism related and Know that Simon Baron-Cohen and lets not forget 'Temple Grandin' who is also on the autistic spectrum that is a great asset to the autistic community. 'The Curious incident of the dog in the night-time' I have read that happens to be my favourite book of all time.
Thanks for the warm welcome *&*%£
Once again would like to point out that due to being on the autistic spectrum we are more inclined to having higher anxiety and stress levels. Once we have are heart and mind set on something we will never give in if we feel what happened was completely unfair and unjustified!
I cannot take much more setbacks from organisations that are being completely unfair and unreasonable by not even allowing me to volunteer. Yesterday I met a manager of a youth club that handed me a volunteer information leaflet "We recognise people can make mistakes and be rehabilitated to a stage where they have a great deal to offer young people". I was not at fault for having a breakdown period in my life that was mismanaged along with lack of understanding at the time on how to treat someone on the autistic spectrum with a breakdown period.
My incident at the hostel is nearly a decade ago in May 2005 was when I was not at all myself as I was mentally unstable at the time. I was not given any adequate help and support until 14 months into my breakdown as my AS and breakdown period was totally mismanaged from start to finish and should never have been charged for ABH and criminal damage in the 1st place.
Also says " We find that young people can benefit from engaging with volunteers from all backgrounds, you may be surprised at what your life experiences can bring to the role" To label and individual that had one episode of a violence that never occurred before and after my breakdown period does hurt my feelings and emotions deeply!
He is just concerned that my convictions are of an aggressive nature so looks doubtful I can volunteer! It happened nearly 10 years ago under horrific conditions. I have a cool, calm and placid nature and naturally get on well with all ages. I was never aggressive or unpredictable with my behaviour at school or when I was bullied daily at my former work place by my Line Manager. I did not once lose my temper both physically and verbally, I am am sure many would have told him where to go.
My Dad had terminal cancer at the time of my breakdown period who was a Major in the Gurkhas during the 2nd World War with a strict family upbringing. He was a war hero when he was awarded the Military Cross and other medals as well as an MBE by the Queen. None of my family has got a criminal record and not in my nature to be aggressive so find it unfair to say that's it can never trust this individual again to work with kids and vulnerable adults!
His concern the kids and young adults that attend the youth club can at times be very much in your face by being verbally aggressive towards you are making physical threats towards you. Worried I may lash out suddenly which I would never do due to what happened nearly a decade ago as they know how to wind people up!
I already dealt with an adult male aged 19 making aggressive threats towards and also mentor his 12 year old brother that has ADD and at time he can get aggressive towards me and have been physically hit by him in my arm leaving a massive bruise. Not once did I lose my temper as I know it is their condition. I would never fight back if even if I was mugged as I am not a natural fighter or would become aggressive. I am still supporting both at present, the parents are grateful for supporting both their sons.
I am putting my flat on the market tomorrow to hopefully fund the supreme court costs to stop me being labelled unfairly as I now have enough original evidence to show I was not at fault and will get my convictions quashed. I do at times feel I no longer want to be living as it hurts deeply that I am being treated so harshly for actions that was not my fault at the time of being unfairly convicted.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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Hi Nick
I hadn't heard of Temple Grandin.
It does seem unfair that one blip should cause you so much upset and prevent you doing what you ideally want to do. I guess individuals are powerless to take a view and give you a second chance. Policies will be set in stone and probably set out by lawyers and insurers. I assume you have to complete a CRB and this is how it is flagged up?
I would try not to take it too personally Nick. As I said it will just be the system and I'm sure various individuals you have met would like to give you a second chance. People are treated unfairly all the time and discriminated against; that's life I'm afraid.
I'm not sure I would recommend selling your flat to fight it legally. I'm sure it will cost a fortune and you could exhaust all your funds and get nowhere. Have you exhausted all the other avenues eg speaking with your local MP? Some lawyers will act pro bono:
http://www.barprobono.org.uk/
Perhaps it was meant to be and you could retrain to do something else you might be even happier doing? Meanwhile you could still pursue your cause. Maybe not be so fixed Nick and look at all your options?
Best wishes.
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Hi Nick
I hadn't heard of Temple Grandin.
It does seem unfair that one blip should cause you so much upset and prevent you doing what you ideally want to do. I guess individuals are powerless to take a view and give you a second chance. Policies will be set in stone and probably set out by lawyers and insurers. I assume you have to complete a CRB and this is how it is flagged up?
I would try not to take it too personally Nick. As I said it will just be the system and I'm sure various individuals you have met would like to give you a second chance. People are treated unfairly all the time and discriminated against; that's life I'm afraid.
I'm not sure I would recommend selling your flat to fight it legally. I'm sure it will cost a fortune and you could exhaust all your funds and get nowhere. Have you exhausted all the other avenues eg speaking with your local MP? Some lawyers will act pro bono:
http://www.barprobono.org.uk/
Perhaps it was meant to be and you could retrain to do something else you might be even happier doing? Meanwhile you could still pursue your cause. Maybe not be so fixed Nick and look at all your options?
Best wishes.
I'm a massive fan of Temple Grandin. She went to the ultimate lengths to make sure that condemned animals didn't suffer too much during their final moments. She's wonderful.
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Shona!! you're back!!!
YIPEE, MISSED YA xxxxxx
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Shona!! you're back!!!
YIPEE, MISSED YA xxxxxx
Missed you too, angel tits. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Wish my tits were angels, instead of fried Eggs on a surf board.
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Wish my tits were angels, instead of fried Eggs on a surf board.
*&*%£
Better than 2 grapes in your dad's socks. 8(8-))
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Thanks all for the warm welcome once again, I do find my pet female cat Ellie really does help calm me down when I am stressed out as you cannot beat a cats purring to calm you down. Temple Grandin loves animals and find cats are the closest animals to the autistic community with a book out called 'All Cats Have Aspergers Syndrome' by Kathy Hoopmann.
Holly I can fully see your points of view to look into doing another type of career. You will find that the majority of adults with Asperger syndrome find it hard to hold down a full time job and are unemployed and will only be happy doing what they are good at doing. They often end up doing a job that is an area of specific special interest to that individual. We will not stick to any career that is slightly different has to be their area they enjoy doing as we tend to be very selective.
I already have the support from my local MP and a former police inspector that is now a psychologist for adults with AS saying how wrong it was to convict someone like myself who was mentally unstable so should not have a criminal record as I was not at fault. I also have all my court archives and emails from my family showing clearly I was not fit to stand trial that was totally neglected by the authorities.
I should not be labelled for one incident in my entire life as I was basically left to roam the streets around the hostel in a hot spot area for gun and drug crime in Birmingham so could not really go outside as I felt it was unsafe to do so. I was being bullied inside the hostel by staff were nasty towards me threatening me that they will get one of the service users to beat me up.
They even got me forcefully arrested for criminal damage by totally trashing my bedroom ripping the wash basin and wardrobe doors off the hinges while I was out for the day. I have been a victim of physical, verbal and emotional abuse and will not give up my dream job doing support work as the bullies are then getting what they want seeing me suffer all my life by denying me a job I would love to be able to do one day.
Some people say when they are younger their dream jobs would be a professional footballer, airline pilot, astronaut, doctor etc. My dream job and only job I prepared to do in a care support worker for children and young adults with autism and other additional needs.
The solicitor at the time I was arrested told me to plead guilty that my family were not at all happy about who straight away appealed against my conviction within the 28 days of being convicted. He made out it not at all possible to appeal within 28 days after sentencing!
I have done nothing wrong the CPS were at fault as they should have dropped the charges against me as they had all the evidence I was mentally unstable and should have got me sectioned instead under the mental health act and not locked up in prison on remand for 3 weeks.
I do not know why so many people think that anyone with a criminal record are barred working with children and vulnerable adults. I have already helped out at my local church year 9 youth club and a gardening project at a school where kids can be verbally aggressive as well a support group for adults with various types of physical and mental health conditions.
It is not true the tight rules and regulations with my type of convictions as I also have a high profile criminal law solicitor that has all my court archives and other important documents that will go in my favour at the Supreme Court.
I come from a large family of 6 sisters and 10 nephews and I am a very popular uncle to 10 nephews and 4 nieces and will be an uncle to nephew #11 sometime in February 2015. I find due to having high functioning autism I have a good childish sense of humour that kids like about me and can relate well to children and teenagers on the autistic spectrum. I can pick up easily sensory overload issues that none autistic staff would not realise like certain background sounds as we have very sensitive hearing.
I will not give up doing a career I would love to be doing to a high standard as I am very much a perfectionist and well organised so would be an excellent care support worker if I was given the chance and the opportunity to pursue in my dream job.
I was not at fault as I was “not guilty” of minor ABH and criminal damage.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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Temple Grandin is quite amazing.
https://www.ted.com/speakers/temple_grandin
Hello Nick,
I understand that you find that what has happened to you is unfair and want to clear your name so that you can pursue your goal of working to support others with autism and it sounds like you'd be very good at it.
I find Holly's suggestion of contacting http://www.barprobono.org.uk/ or even a Citizen's Advice Bureau may be useful and may give you a fair idea of what is possible or not in legal terms before considering selling your flat.
You have a focused goal. A question to perhaps consider is what avenues are open for you to pursue that goal even given current restrictions?
Is working directly with young people the only option? Would, for example, giving talks to schools / universities, social services / law enforcement training sessions (a bit like Temple) be possible? Would helping to create greater awareness give you any satisfaction?
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I'm a massive fan of Temple Grandin. She went to the ultimate lengths to make sure that condemned animals didn't suffer too much during their final moments. She's wonderful.
Hey welcome back puglove. We have all missed you very much.
Yes I've been reading up on Temple Grandin.
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Wish my tits were angels, instead of fried Eggs on a surf board.
Lol. Look on the bright side you're unlikely to end up needing a wheelbarrow with curvature of the spine 8)><(
Talking of eggs have you tried poachies. Bloody marvellous invention.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0veEKCwYlk
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Thanks all for the warm welcome once again, I do find my pet female cat Ellie really does help calm me down when I am stressed out as you cannot beat a cats purring to calm you down. Temple Grandin loves animals and find cats are the closest animals to the autistic community with a book out called 'All Cats Have Aspergers Syndrome' by Kathy Hoopmann.
Holly I can fully see your points of view to look into doing another type of career. You will find that the majority of adults with Asperger syndrome find it hard to hold down a full time job and are unemployed and will only be happy doing what they are good at doing. They often end up doing a job that is an area of specific special interest to that individual. We will not stick to any career that is slightly different has to be their area they enjoy doing as we tend to be very selective.
I already have the support from my local MP and a former police inspector that is now a psychologist for adults with AS saying how wrong it was to convict someone like myself who was mentally unstable so should not have a criminal record as I was not at fault. I also have all my court archives and emails from my family showing clearly I was not fit to stand trial that was totally neglected by the authorities.
I should not be labelled for one incident in my entire life as I was basically left to roam the streets around the hostel in a hot spot area for gun and drug crime in Birmingham so could not really go outside as I felt it was unsafe to do so. I was being bullied inside the hostel by staff were nasty towards me threatening me that they will get one of the service users to beat me up.
They even got me forcefully arrested for criminal damage by totally trashing my bedroom ripping the wash basin and wardrobe doors off the hinges while I was out for the day. I have been a victim of physical, verbal and emotional abuse and will not give up my dream job doing support work as the bullies are then getting what they want seeing me suffer all my life by denying me a job I would love to be able to do one day.
Some people say when they are younger their dream jobs would be a professional footballer, airline pilot, astronaut, doctor etc. My dream job and only job I prepared to do in a care support worker for children and young adults with autism and other additional needs.
The solicitor at the time I was arrested told me to plead guilty that my family were not at all happy about who straight away appealed against my conviction within the 28 days of being convicted. He made out it not at all possible to appeal within 28 days after sentencing!
I have done nothing wrong the CPS were at fault as they should have dropped the charges against me as they had all the evidence I was mentally unstable and should have got me sectioned instead under the mental health act and not locked up in prison on remand for 3 weeks.
I do not know why so many people think that anyone with a criminal record are barred working with children and vulnerable adults. I have already helped out at my local church year 9 youth club and a gardening project at a school where kids can be verbally aggressive as well a support group for adults with various types of physical and mental health conditions.
It is not true the tight rules and regulations with my type of convictions as I also have a high profile criminal law solicitor that has all my court archives and other important documents that will go in my favour at the Supreme Court.
I come from a large family of 6 sisters and 10 nephews and I am a very popular uncle to 10 nephews and 4 nieces and will be an uncle to nephew #11 sometime in February 2015. I find due to having high functioning autism I have a good childish sense of humour that kids like about me and can relate well to children and teenagers on the autistic spectrum. I can pick up easily sensory overload issues that none autistic staff would not realise like certain background sounds as we have very sensitive hearing.
I will not give up doing a career I would love to be doing to a high standard as I am very much a perfectionist and well organised so would be an excellent care support worker if I was given the chance and the opportunity to pursue in my dream job.
I was not at fault as I was “not guilty” of minor ABH and criminal damage.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
A great idea from Carana with regard to raising awareness? I assume you have contacted The National Autistic Society about your case?
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Hi Holly,
What Carana suggestion is something I have considered doing talks to raise more autism awareness while waiting to clear my unjustified criminal record that I have been confident from day one of appealing will be quashed. I am very lucky to have kept all the original court archives as well as emails and letters of complaint that I was not helped in the early stages of my breakdown period.
I am flexible and would love to do talks about what I had to endure and how to improve services for children and adults that find themselves wrongly labeled for doing a crime that in the end was none intentional. I can could give numerous examples of when children and adults are arrested by the police as what they are doing looks like they are doing it on purpose when it none intentional.
A middle aged man with AS was so fascinated with washing machines that it was becoming obsessive, while he was walking past a house he spots a washing machine through the window. Without knowing that breaking and entering someones property is a criminal offence he breaks into the house and just sits by the washing machine. The owners of the house return and of course calls the police, when they arrive he is arrested.
The police do the routine thing of checking if anything has gone missing and of course nothing has been stolen. The man with AS is still charged for breaking and entering and criminal damage.
I still want to pursue in my dream job caring and supporting children and young adults on the autistic spectrum and similar needs. I have seen some dreadful support workers out there that have not had any training in autism awareness and can give an example.
An adult female with AS support worker packed in doing her day job as a beautician who has a clear DBS without a clue about autism awareness as no knowledge is required as training will be given by the organisation. She takes the service user out to the local shops and decided to get her nails done leaving the service user outside! This is wrong and should have been sacked on the spot.
As for the flat selling I need to sell as I had tenants from hell that never paid rent for over 7 months and wrecked my flat. Service charges are very high and the building is not in a good state of repair, my mum is now paying my mortgage so it only fair that I sell up.
Thanks for the link and should be granted legal aid and I have already contacted CAB and NAS numerous times. I have found a criminal law solicitor that will read through all the paperwork who is extremely busy right now.
I am super organised with a bit of OCD that is a typical autistic trait with over 12 folders in numerical order in poly pockets to show I was not fit to plead guilty with strong evidence in my favour of neglect. When my mum reads back the letters written by my sisters she burst out crying by reading what her youngest child had to suffer unnecessarily as at the same time her husband for over 40 years was terminally ill.
I hope I have now highlighted that my breakdown and diagnoses of AS was poorly managed and should not have a criminal record held against me for actions that could have so easily be avoided if I was treated for my depression earlier.
Thanks all once again for your support and advice.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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The UK Justice System is unfair and biased at present, even now with the ‘time to change’ campaign they still have not got a clue not just towards ‘autism awareness’ they are also not great at dealing with other mental health related conditions.
The tragic murder of Cerys Marie Yemm, aged 22 recently in a Wales when the authorities knew that Matthew Williams was diagnosed having paranoid schizophrenia and had not been able to take he medication to control his paranoia that led to the tragic loss of himself and his murder victim and their families.
What Matthews Mother has shared with the media the following quote;
Mr Williams' mother, Sally Ann Williams, claims her son was a paranoid schizophrenic and could not get medication after his release from prison less than two weeks ago.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-29981512 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-29981512)
I know one cannot compare my undeserved criminal conviction with this traffic murder case as mine is completely different as it is a less serious offense that could have been avoided if I was given the right help and support before my breakdown got out of hand!
However my AS and breakdown combined together is classed as mental health disorder or condition and was not given any chance to be understood properly until it was too late when it got to a point of minor common assault and was not to blame for my actions at the time.
My family at the time thought I was doing the right thing to plead guilty as the solicitor representing me in court never once explained to my family and I the options of either pleading guilty or say I was not guilty. It would then have gone to Crown Court and would then be up to a jury to decided if I was guilty or not!
I was told to plead guilty by the criminal law solicitor representing my case at Magistrates Court!
If the jury read through all my documents diagnosed with AS in a deep depression with my Dad terminally ill when I was provoked and bullied into a small attack when staff were verbally bullying and making physical threats towards me combined with the wrong meds and chemical imbalance and self medicating!
The jury's verdict would have found me ‘not guilty due to my mental state at the time of ABH and criminal damage that's so unlike me all due to being given the wrong anti psychotics and antidepressants that is now giving me such a negative and unfair label that I am now carrying around with me!
It is not a nice feeling when schools and homes think my mood swing and behavior is unpredictable, as I was not at fault as I have never been aggressive or violent in nature at school, college and 13 years working full time. I have a very calm, cool and placid nature with a patient of a saint. I cannot even kill a bottle fly without feeling guilty so will open the window instead to allow the bottle fly to fly out again.
Bullies caused me to get this an unjustified criminal record that happened nearly a decade ago with no aggression since then that will never happen again. Many school and homes are missing out an a potentially fantastic care support worker for kids with autism and other additional needs that are taking safeguarding to the extreme and the majority of the general public are being brainwashed by thinking these strict enhanced DBS checks are good and fair.
It not fair to compare those with one or two minor one off convictions to those that are regular offenders with 20plus convictions to those that have not done any other criminal act for a decade or more. They should have their criminal record wiped clear off the PNC system if they not offended again as 9 times out of 10 like me that are usually mentally related those with a one off criminal conviction that not too serious. They should be given a 2nd chance again and not get given a negative label to carry for the rest of their life for actions that was not their fault at time of being convicted.
I will get my dream job despite the negativity I am getting as I am not wasting 2 years since walking out of my job due to bullying for being autistic. I am studying childcare, health and social care as well as getting a certificate in autism awareness for educators” and training certificates in care support work with all the tutors a praising my in depth knowledge.
I have always had good knowledge towards health and social care with a distinction in the old C&G GNVQ Health and Social Care Foundation Level when I left school back in 1995.
One bad incident in my entire life should not be stopping me pursue in my dream job as Residential Care Support Worker for kids with autism and other additional needs. I have had to visit The Samaritans several times since walking out of my former job as I am very fixed and passionate only to help and support children and young adults with additional needs.
I am never going to be happy and content until I am doing the job I love, I should be given discretion due to my autism to become a care support worker. Parents that know about my convictions are no at all concerned about my criminal record as they know how poor the services are in the UK towards mental health and can see I am perfectly safe and mentally stable to do the job role to a high standard.
nickwclarke2014@BhamUK
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Hi All,
It has been just over a year ago since my last post on topic of discussion and a lot of things have happened within a year. I was listening to my local radio station this afternoon. There an advert accepting those with mental health issues either past or present without giving automatic negative labelling straight away. 'Time to change' campaign is still going strong that is still very much a taboo subject to be talking about by many of the UK population.
Those that told me I will never be able to work with children and vulnerable adults due to having unjustified convictions I have proved to them how wrong they were to give me such a negative attitude towards circumstances that was out of my control.
I am now a regular volunteer with a few organisations helping and supporting service users and staff from children to adults with additional needs that have all been impressed how well I get on with both staff and the service users.
Here is my psychiatric report written on May 27th 2005 while I was on remand for 3 weeks of pure hell! I was not coping well being in a prison environment, I was hiding it well as I feared if I complained that my cell mate make verbal and physical threats by getting me into a headlock! Two nights before being sentenced I did self harm in the cell, I can still see a faint white mark on my right wrist to this very day, showing clearly I used a razor blade to inflict pain on myself! To say I was being naughty and attention seeking was completely unacceptable thing to say to some one with a clear stress related illness.
Opinion
It seems quite clear that Mr Clarke’s recent behaviour have been precipitated by his father’s illness and the change in his living arrangements. His difficulty in coping with these important life events is unsurprising given his mental disorder. He has used violence instrumentally in an attempt to force a return to his parents home. I think there is no doubt that in the event of him being released from prison he will continue to engage in such risk behaviours until he achieves his aim. It seems that the likely cost of this is not high, but of course it is always possible that he will harm himself or someone else to a greater degree than he will intend.
He is clearly inappropriately placed in prison and he requires a more appropriate placement. Unfortunately, placement is likely to lead to a temporary deterioration in his behaviour as a high risk of absconding. Therefore, any placement must be able to manage his risk of absconding and his other risk taking behaviours. I addition, of course it would need to be able to cater for his particular needs in terms of his autistic spectrum disorder and also given his history of depression, monitor his mental state and provide any psychiatric treatment should it be necessary. I am encouraged that MR **** considers him appropriate for his unit. I am not familiar with this broadly speaking the arrangements for an inpatient unit with associated more independent residential facilities seems ideal. Initially, in my view he would need to be accommodated within the inpatient unit for the reasons stated above but hopefully with appropriate therapeutic approach and an opportunity to settle in, he would progress to the more independent placements before too long.
I spent a little time talking to Ms **** about the funding of such a placement. Because it is registered as a low secure hospital my understanding is that the funding would be arranged through the West Midlands Specialist Services Agency. I was able to discuss the case in broad terms with *** *** Forensic Case Manager with the WMSSA and he confirmed that he would be quite happy to take the arrangements forward. To this end, I have copied this letter to him. It would be helpful if *** *** would liaise with him directly with respect to funding issues. He can be contacted on *** *** *** Of course, he will also require copies of Mr **** assessment and detailed proposed care plan.
If you consider that the proposed placement is appropriate then I think it would be appropriate for him to be admitted there under the terms of the Mental Health Act 1983 consequent to sentencing for his current offences. I would be quite happy to make a recommendation for either a Hospital Order under Section 37 or a Guardianship Order to allow the court to dispose I would consider that his Aspergers syndrome and the severe difficulties it causes him in his day to day functioning as sufficient to constitute a mental illness within the meaning of the Act and in my view this is quite clearly of both nature and degree which warrant inpatient treatment in hospital of the case appropriately
I understand he is due in court for sentencing on 3rd June 2005. I have written to Birmingham Magistrates Court to inform them of the current position and copied that letter to his solicitor and yourself. I have suggested they should adjourn sentencing for preparation of reports.
I hope that this covers all the essential issues. As it happens I am on annual leave next week but please feel free to contact me after that if you want to discuss the case further. Alternatively, I am sure *** *** would be more than happy to discuss with you any issues regarding placement and funding arrangements.
I have to sat that the 3 weeks on remand in prison was the worst 3 weeks of my entire life so far that's still haunting me to today as I have been given an unfair lifelong criminal record. I have been told I would make an excellent care support worker for children and adults with additional needs making them feel valued and appreciated.
We are now living in the 21st century and not still in the 20th century, I find that the current British Justice System is dated as it's unfair to label someone with 1 to 3 convictions that are a one off and fairly minor to someone that's a regular offender with 20 plus convictions. It's about time the newly elected Conservative Government review their enhanced DBS checking system by filtering it out for people with a few minor convictions that are petty in nature after a 5 to 10 year period1 Not till they have reached their 100th Birthday!
A person who has a diagnoses of Asperger syndrome can often be very focused with tunnel vision when it comes to employment opportunities. One in ten adults with AS work full time so it very important that we find a career we enjoy doing or will always remain unemployed.
I have the full support and backing of a former Police Inspector for over 30 years and a well-known actress who very much into human and animal rights campaigning.
CCRC are currently looking through all my court achieves and other important documents that I hope will help them realise that my criminal record needs to be quashed forever so I can finally move forward in life doing a career I am passionate about.
After watching 'Children in Need' it made me even more determined to help and support children and young people with additional needs live a more rewarding lifestyle.
One positive outcome this year that has worked out well for my family is making a move to a smaller community in a small town. I sold my flat in February 2015 and my mum sold her house in Birmingham in June 2015. We ae now living in the small Worcestershire Spa Town of Droitwich.
We have both settled in well and getting on well with the locals, we both are not missing the living in Birmingham as we both have bad memories living there! A new location has worked out well for both of us.
We are now living in 4 bed dormer bungalow, I have the upper floor space for myself, my mum has her own ground floor bedroom and wet room, she has arthritis in her joints! I am still having on-going right knee problems myself with a 3rd surgery looking very likely early 2016.
It will be my Dad's 10th anniversary on Monday 30th November 2015, that's only 2 weeks away. I know he would want to see me happy as I was just recovering from my breakdown when he passed away on November 30th 2005 from terminal cancer.
nickwclarke2015@DroitwichSpaUK
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Hi Nick. I'm glad that things have turned around for you after such a rough time. Mental illness does have a stigma attached to it but what many people don't realise is that it can strike anyone at any time. Nobody is immune from mental illness as all it takes is for the right circumstances to conspire together when someone is at their lowest ebb. Please do keep in touch Nck and let us know how you get on.
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Hi Nick. I'm glad that things have turned around for you after such a rough time. Mental illness does have a stigma attached to it but what many people don't realise is that it can strike anyone at any time. Nobody is immune from mental illness as all it takes is for the right circumstances to conspire together when someone is at their lowest ebb. Please do keep in touch Nck and let us know how you get on.
Hi Angelo, Thanks for your reply, you are about right that mental illnesses has a stigma attached to it. I was shocked but not at all surprised when a criminal law solicitor told me that potential employers would rather give a person with a criminal record a 2nd chance, that did the criminal act intentionally then someone that got a criminal record due to mental health that was none intentional.
You are right that no one is entirely immune to having some sort of mental breakdown period at some point during their lifetime. If I was given the adequate care and support during the early stages during my breakdown I would not be in a position that I am finding myself in right now with a false criminal record being held against me.
I hear it a lot from many people telling me you have carried out a criminal act so have to learn to accept it as life is not fair. This is not a good thing to be saying to someone on the autistic spectrum as we tend to only do the things that we enjoy doing.
Last night on Channel 4 there was a documentary called ‘Kitchen Impossible’, Michel Roux gets a group of young people and adults with various types of additional needs to find employment in the catering industry. They were all successful in finding employment apart from one young person with Asperger syndrome. He enjoys doing back kitchen duties rather than front of the house duties. He did not bother applying for another job role as he is happy with is current job and routine that suits his autism perfectly.
Rather than pouring pints and serving customers food and drink he feels a lot happier in the kitchen washing the dishes and keeping the kitchen in A1 condition hygienically. Might not be the best pay or most glamorous job to be doing but as long as he happy and working there no need to push him for a higher paid job. This will only raise his anxiety and stress levels even higher.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kitchen-impossible-with-michel-roux-jr
I am in a similar scenario that I can work and willing to if I was given a discretion that is not likely to happen unless I have get my criminal record quashed. I have 6 sisters and a brother and have 11 nephews and 3 nieces and a popular uncle as I have always got on with children and young people naturally.
As I get on naturally get on well with children and young people it make sense that am able to find employment working with children and young people with additional needs or will permanently be out of work. It was not my fault I was charged and convicted. The authorities could have easily prevented this form happening if I was treated during the early stages of my breakdown and not 14 months into my breakdown period when it got out of control.
nickwclarke2015@DroitwichSpaUK
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Has been a while since I last updated my post on Autism and the criminal justice system after being told that I have to look at other job opportunities that does not involve working with vulnerable adults and young people. I was not going to give in that easily due to my previous convictions that are not against vulnerable adults and young people. This month marks twelve years since I was charged and convicted for minor ABH and criminal damage during at stressful time for my family. I was in no fit state at the time to go through the British Justice System while mentally unstable while on a concoction of 6 different antidepressants/anti psychotics, I was self medicating at the time when the incident occurred at the hostel.
I have shown that I am safe, capable and trustworthy to help and support young people with additional needs thanks to two Midlands based Organisations giving me the discretion and breakthrough I have been waiting for. They know how poorly mental health is mismanaged in the UK that’s grossly underfunded thanks to the Tories cutbacks on mental health support.
Autism Awareness and support for adults in 2004/05 when I had my breakdown was hardly known about. My Social Worker read through text books about autism, she had no knowledge or understanding towards how to manage an individual on the Autistic spectrum that’s going through a meltdown period when anxiety and stress levels become too much to cope and manage using anger and aggression as coping mechanism to calm down again.
April 2015 I started to volunteer as a Playworker for autistic young people with the organisation by giving me a breakthrough with a discretion. Showing them that I am perfectly safe and capable to help and support young people at the Saturday Playgroup that I have now been volunteering at for 2 years.
April 2017 the Leader is impressed how well I am engaging with the young service users at the club. For the last six months I have been doing one to one support for a young people at the club. I can cope and manage a young person with distress behaviour. The Leader and other Playworkers have no concerns or issues with me, they can see I am making a difference to the young people that attend Club. Showing them the positive traits that autism can bring to their daily lives rather than dwelling too much on the negatives of their autistic traits.
I have been chosen to share my story as a book chapter for The University of Galway ERC Voices Project. I am a Storyteller for the ERC Voices Project with a Respondent helping me write my chapter with her professional points of view.
Links about about the Project, my introduction to the ERC Voices Project with my Respondent Nell Munro from The Criminal Law Department from Nottingham University.
https://ercvoices.com/about-the-project/
https://ercvoices.com/2016/09/14/meet-the-storyteller-nicholas-clarke/
https://ercvoices.com/2016/09/15/meet-the-respondent-nell-munro/
I have already taken part in my presentation on Criminal Responsibility with my Respondent Nell Munro in September 2016 with my sister giving her point of view how it felt for the whole family.
https://ercvoices.com/events/criminal-responsibility-workshop/
YouTube video link below of the PowerPoint Presentation, starts just before 35 minutes into the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UmDZTx9v0Y&index=1&list=PLvKS9kpe3SYMPN5IifTq67N3LNXW9rnVE
I am now ready for a job interview when a work placement becomes available. My Leader told me he has no issues when I am helping out at club and should apply for job as Playworker after 2 years probation as a volunteer. I have shown dedicated doing a job role a paid Playworker would be expected to do without any pay.
I enjoy seeing autistic young people starting their young lives positively knowing that the I and other Playworkers have contributed towards it. No one should endure what I and many other autistic individuals by going through the courts and the justice system. Being autistic while going through an episode of distress behaviour due to high anxiety levels and being misunderstood by society and the Courts. Support and help at a rehab autism clinic is better alternative than a conviction and a life long criminal record. To prevent and stop biased opinions from the general public, media and press! Giving a negative label straight away without looking into the circumstances that led to the individual getting a conviction and criminal record.
nickwclarke2017@DroitwichSpaUK