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Forgiveness Sparks Change: A Journey of Restorative Justice

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joan Scourfield forgave Jacob Dunne for the 2011 death of her son James through a restorative justice program.
They exchanged letters and met, with Joan offering Jacob support for his future.
Jacob Dunne served 30 months for manslaughter, then earned a first-class criminology degree and published a book adapted into the play Punch.
Now Scourfield and Dunne advocate restorative justice, believing it can prevent violence and honor her son's memory.

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Story summary

Joan Scourfield forgave Jacob Dunne for the 2011 death of her son James through a restorative justice program.
They exchanged letters and met, with Joan offering Jacob support for his future.
Jacob Dunne served 30 months for manslaughter, then earned a first-class criminology degree and published a book adapted into the play Punch.
Now Scourfield and Dunne advocate restorative justice, believing it can prevent violence and honor her son's memory.