Joe hit puberty early. Tall and broad-shouldered, he looked older than his years and often stood out among his peers.

In his early teens, Joe was sadly criminally exploited by unscrupulous men who lured him with promises of easy money and a glamorous lifestyle. Before long, he became caught up in the growing culture of county lines.

As a result, Joe’s behaviour and school attendance began to decline sharply. He would become very angry at times, often breaking things, and there were several distressing occasions when he went missing from home.

During this difficult period, Joe was placed on a Child Protection Plan with Norfolk Children’s Services and became known to Norfolk Police. He started to spend more time with those he considered his “friends,” often distancing himself from his family, who loved him deeply and worried constantly for his safety.