A heavily-tattooed former 'gangster' has swapped his life of crime and turned to the church - to become a vicar.
Reverend Mark Rowan, 41, was a former junkie who spent more than 17 years in and out of jail for a variety of drugs, theft and violent offences.
Former gang leader Mark - who had previously "only gone to church to steal lead from the roof" - found God during a prolonged spell inside.
Determined to turn his life around he left prison and underwent five years training at theological college before being ordained.
Rev Mark said: "I have full reverend status. This was the first exam I have ever taken and it is a huge achievement for me.
"The only time I wasn't committing crime was when I was sleeping. I carried knives and was involved with gangs.
"I used heroin, cocaine and cannabis and lived a crazy life. A lot of my friends are either dead or serving life sentences in prison.
Link: 'I'm rectifying my mistakes': Heavily-tattooed former gangster becomes a vicar - Yahoo! News UK
Comment