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Jacob Dunne on how talking to the parents of his victim turned his life around

At the age of 19, Jacob Dunne was sentenced to prison for manslaughter. He had punched a man in what was described as an unprovoked attack. That punch was fatal. 

You can hear Jacob tell his story to Zak and Jules on Life After Prison this month on National Prison Radio. 

In their powerful conversation, Jacob reflects on the emotional aftermath of the offence, the psychological impact of prison and what he perceived to be a lack of meaningful rehabilitation. 

He tells Zak and Jules about the challenges he faced during his early life and school years.  “I was addicted to drama throughout my whole teenage life. There was a void.” 

He talks about how he ended up in prison and the impact this had on him.  But it was when he was released and received a request to answer some questions from the parents of his victim that things really changed for Jacob.  This was the start of a process called restorative justice. 

Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication. This enables everyone affected to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward. 

Jacob told Zak and Jules that he initially agreed to speak to the parents of his victim because he thought “it might give them some peace and let them move forward.” 

However, over time he soon realised how valuable the process was for him. “Because they were asking me the questions and I was taking responsibility for my actions, I couldn’t tell myself any lies, I couldn’t minimise, I couldn’t make excuses.”

He tells Zak and Jules, “that was where my armour came down.”

Jacob, with the support of the parents of the man he killed, returned to education. He has written a book; this book was turned into a play. He has appeared on TV and radio and he now dedicates his work to supporting people who are suffering and at risk. 

One thing he has realised, he tells Zak and Jules, is that it all starts with ourselves. “If we do the work on ourselves, we can repair the harm and prevent harm in the future. 

Life After Prison presenter Zak Addae-Kodua says it was an inspiring and unique conversation.  “Actually, seeing and hearing the repercussions of your actions from the people you have affected is very powerful. 

“I think if it could happen more regularly, it would change what life after prison looks like and how people can be involved in shaping the future for others.” 

If you want to learn more about the opportunities to take part in Restorative Justice, speak to your offender manager or key worker.

You can hear Jacob Dunne on Life After Prison on National Prison Radio on 24 July 2025. Life After Prison is on every Thursday at 5pm and 10pm. 

National Prison Radio is the world’s first national radio station for people in prison. It’s available on in-cell TVs and via Launchpad laptops in prisons across England and Wales. 

You can get involved with NPR by calling 0808 123 1234 and leaving a message. You can request a track or share an inspirational story. We listen to every single message we receive. 

If NPR is not available in your prison, call us on 0808 123 1234 and leave a message telling us the prison you are in and how long it has been down for.