I was both moved and mortified to receive this e-mail in my in-box this morning. It was as though a ghost from my past had come to haunt me:

 

I can’t quite remember how (after all these years) I stumbled upon you a few weeks back. It could have been one search (Google) that led to another and led to another but I was intrigued to learn that you are now a Catholic writer of some renown! A man of God no less.

 

I should say at this point, you don’t know me and have never met me but I would have been an object of your hatred despite this inconvenient fact.

 

Naturally suspicious, I did further searches which led to articles, essays, YouTube videos, all of which confirmed that you are indeed the real Joe Pearce, former leader of the YNF and a name that struck fear into youngsters like myself, ie. of a certain hue. To me, you were almost the embodiment of Satan, someone so hateful that God forbid, our paths should ever cross in our native Barking. You were a kind of Keyser Soze character (if you’ve ever watched The Usual Suspects) except that he was a fictional character.

 

Back in the 1970’s I always had to be wary of your ilk, racists and bigots who didn’t mind a tear up and to whom violence, verbal abuse and intimidation came so easily. But you were the man at the very top, someone who could inspire all the others, a legion of loyal followers ready to vote, march, fight and even cause riots if necessary. I suspect for such a young man it must have been a huge buzz.

 

I read ‘Race With The Devil’ this morning…..Good Friday of all days. It wasn’t quite what I expected but then neither was my reaction. I wanted to hate it and to continue hating you but ultimately it is an uplifting story, one of hope even and one that made me unashamedly shed a tear.

 

I’m conscious that I still bear some minor (psychological) scars from growing up in Barking and Dagenham in the 70’s. Scars that are well hidden even from my nearest and dearest but you will pleased to know (at least I hope you will) that stories like yours and reading this book go some way to healing these scars.

 

Having said that, growing up where we did, when we did was an unqualified joy for me, great times and great people, very many of whom I am still in contact with to this day. I feel you might have missed out in many respects.

 

I would be interested to know about your feelings then and now especially given how the cultural landscape of Barking, Dagenham and even parts of East Anglia have changed so dramatically recently. I wonder if you ever think of the effect your actions would have had back in the day and how that affects you now. What about some of your old friendships?

 

Congratulations on the book. It’s a fascinating read and a great story. I’m still pinching myself that this incredible 180 degree turnaround is actually real. It pleases me that you have found true happiness. Your old campaigners would surely be happy for you…..free at last

 

I wish you and your loved ones well for the future.

 

Ps. If you’re ever back in England, allow me to buy you a beer. Now that would be ironic !