For me, this is simply a new mission, a new operation – a lifelong deployment. And to undertake this work I no longer have to operate in the shadows. I can finally be who I am, while doing something I truly believe in.
This is an important, global battle and there are many others fighting it. If I can contribute in my own small way then I am glad to play a part. It might partly be a way to heal some of the harm I have caused, but mostly it’s just the best way I know to make a positive change in many people’s lives. And maybe, just maybe, it’s simply a truer, better way for me to fight the good fight.
Because really, that’s all it’s ever been about.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In making the transition from cop to campaigner, I have been privileged to learn from so many brave, intelligent people. I hope you all know who you are, and that you have my thanks, support and respect.
There are some who deserve special mention: Jason Reed and Beccy Gardham of LEAP UK for sheer intellect, and for being such great, inspiring friends – and of course, Jason, for the fantastic film The Culture High!
Nicky Saunter and everyone else at Transform and the Anyone’s Child Campaign – as a Detective Sergeant, it was the work of Transform that helped me see that change is possible. Niamh Eastwood and all at Release, whose work is so crucial. Steve Moore and the team at VolteFace – when change happens in the UK, you will be in the centre of it.
Dale Beaumont Brown and the rest at Elixir for the essential film Grassroots: The Cannabis Revolution. Johann Hari, for your tireless work and support, and the important and brilliant book, Chasing The Scream. Annie Machon for all your help, guidance and wonderful work; and all the people at Virgin who do so much for the international effort.
Particular thanks to Neill Franklin, Diane Goldstein and all other past and present board members of LEAP in the USA, for your inspired – and inspiring – leadership. Indeed, thank you to every LEAP member and speaker from Brazil to Germany, from New Zealand to Costa Rica. The spread of LEAP across the globe is going to be crucial in bringing about the change we need.
Thanks also to Ciara Foley and all at Ebury, in particular Kelly Ellis, Liz Marvin and the legal team who guided us through the wrenching process of bringing our original text in line with the UK’s absurd Libel and Privacy laws. These laws are a disgrace – credit to all those working to reform them.
JS Rafaeli would like to thank his family for their constant support and love, particularly Rafi for saying ‘jump cuts’ exactly when he needed to hear it. And, of course, Vera.
This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.
Epub ISBN: 9781473528994
Version 1.0
Ebury Press, an imprint of Ebury Publishing,
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Ebury Press is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at global.penguinrandomhouse.com
Copyright © Neil Woods 2016
Cover photography © Getty and Alamy
Cover design © Two Associates
Neil Woods has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this Work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
First published by Ebury Press in 2016
www.eburypublishing.co.uk
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 9781785034756 (hardback)
ISBN 9781785032691 (trade paperback)
Contents
About the Book
About the Author
Title Page
Dedication
Chapter 1. Buxton
Chapter 2. Derby
Chapter 3. Glossop
Chapter 4. Derby II
Chapter 5. Chesterfield
Chapter 6. Clowne
Chapter 7. Whitwick
Chapter 8. Stoke
Chapter 10. Wakefield
Chapter 11. Leicester
Chapter 12. Nottingham
Chapter 13. Northampton
Chapter 14. Brighton
Chapter 15. Buxton II
Chapter 16. A Thousand Wasted Years
Acknowledgements
Copyright