Michael Knell

Appointed Michael Knell

Nearly all the Brattend estate's working-age people were unemployed. They lived off state benefits and whatever they could obtain in other ways, most of them criminal. Burglary, prostitution, shoplifting, illicit drugs, and black-market booze and tobacco products put the clothes on their back and food on the table for most of the youngsters. However, there were always a few children who went short and felt hungry. Going short and knowing hunger can sometimes result in kids becoming attracted to the dark side. To obtain the things they want, and in many cases believe they need in order to survive, they will venture way beyond anything considered acceptable by their peers. It all starts when they are young.