'Thugs are now my mates'

Six months ago Gary was assaulted, threatened and stalked by two thugs.

But the 18-year-old victim is now friends with his attackers after the trio were brought together by police. "It seems strange but we will go out on a Friday for a couple of drinks," he said.

Gary was at a Buckinghamshire train station when he was set upon by the two youths who can only be identified as Gary and Ollie.

But rather than charge the pair, police brought the three together and Gary the attacker realised he shared not only a first name with his victim but also frustrations of living in the suburbs. "I was shocked learning how he felt; it made me realise what I had done wasn't right," said Gary, also 18. "I knew I wouldn't do it again."

Ollie, 19, who has a lengthy criminal history, added: "I didn't really want to do it," he said. "But I went into it and now, well look, we go drinking together."

Police called the victim a hero for having the courage to meet his attackers. But Gary shrugs at that description and says he realised the violence could end. "I knew I would bump into them again and I thought we might as well talk about it. You've got to start somewhere if you want to put to an end to these sort of things."

Both attackers are now employed and have not re-offended.