Hard Time at Epping Forest College

Shaun posing with his novel “Hard Time”, with Level 2 Electrical student
Jason Clark and Level 3 Legal Secretary student Molly Grech outside EFC
(Photo courtesy of Ayub Nouinou)

A millionaire stockbroker who spent nine years in a tough US prison for money laundering and drug dealing visited Epping Forest College to inform students on how he has turned his life around. Shaun Attwood used his talk to warn students on the dangers of drugs in order to prevent them from making the same mistakes he did.

The former convict stunned students as he revealed the sickening brutality he suffered whilst inside the confines of a prison in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Since being released from prison 5 years ago, Attwood has spoken to audiences across the UK and around Europe about the consequences of drugs and crime. When it came to the students at Epping Forest College his intentions were clear – to show them firsthand the repercussions that this distressing lifestyle can cause, which included some vile, gruesome photographs of the injuries people have suffered while incarcerated. 

He told the students how his financial success played a major role in his demise:  "The money went right to my head. I started throwing rave parties with it and got people bringing Ecstasy and selling it.  One night a SWAT team smashes my door down and I end up in a jail with the highest death rate in America.” 

Mr Attwood encouraged students to become involved during his presentation. Performing Arts students Jason Clark and Molly Grech dressed up in the uniforms that he wore in prison and read extracts from his book ‘Hard Time’, which is a “hard-hitting” account of his experiences. 

“I am sure that some of the students have had the opportunity to get involved in either drug or alcohol-related activities, but if I can make an impression and steer them away from all that rubbish then it will restore my pride and karma.” 

Additionally, Mr Attwood emotionally expressed how his time in prison devastated his mother, which has left her living her life on and off medication.  He now hopes that his experience will benefit the students and help them realise the long-term effects of drug abuse. 


This article was written by Ayub Nouinou, who is currently studying A Level English and Level 3 Photography at Epping Forest College .