I didn't want to be a statistic so I got on rehab

Ex-addict aids cops' young offenders scheme

-  MARCELLO MEGA

A FORMER addict and criminal who turned his life around a decade ago is now mentoring youngsters with similar problems and helping them change their lives.

Donald Tumilowicz, 50, grew up in Whitburn, West Lothian, and was put into care in Greendykes, Edinburgh, when he was nearly 15.

He started using drugs and alcohol and getting into gang fights, which took him into contact with the young offenders system.

Addiction and repeated crimes of dishonesty meant he ended up in the adult prison system with a sentence of three years and 10 months just two months short of making him a long-term prisoner.

Donald went on to co-found Aid & Abet and works on Police Scotland's Vow project, supporting people caught up in the criminal justice system.