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A thief at the age of 6, Mark Whiteley seized the chance to turn his life of crime around with the help of girlfriend
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The first thing Mark Whitely ever stole was a Magic Roundabout record. He was six years old and his mum was furious with him. He came from a poor background, but says himself that this is no excuse for acting on the urge to take what his family could not afford.
Stealing valuable camping equipment at the age of 13 led to an encounter with the police. He knew what he was doing was wrong but loved the sense of adventure and excitement he got from his illegal activities.
Falling into the company of a man just out of prison, Mark was drawn further into petty crime. Moving into handling stolen goods, the threat of a visit by the CID caused him to have to empty his rented flat of more or less everything. He realised had nothing to call his own - his life was empty and worthless.
Then Mark met the woman who was to help to consolidate his decision to give up crime. Her interest in drama encouraged him to join the local opera group. The council estate boy was mixing with new people who could give him a new perspective on life.
Encouraged by his girlfriend, Mark went on to drama school - and loved it. He's been an actor now for ten years, and is still with the woman who gave him the chance to turn himself around.
听Listen to Mark's story
