Bad Girl Antonia lays down the law to kids

Bad Girl Antonia lays down the law to kids

Nov 2 2004
By Vicky Wilks

South London Press

IN prison drama Bad Girls she's tough-talking Yardie Darlene Cake who's been banged up for four years for smashing a girl in the face with a pint glass.

But in real life actress Antonia Okonma is a former South Bank University student who said if she ended up in a prison cell she would pass the hours by reading the Bible.

On Friday, she was one of four speakers who recounted their life experiences to a group of 100 Kennington youngsters to make them think twice about getting involved in crime.

Antonia, 22, from Kensington, was invited to the event at Kennington's Pedlar's Park community hall by Brixton-based voluntary group Keep the Dream Alive.

Antonia told the youngsters how she got her first big break on the hit ITV crime drama.

Other speakers included 26-year-old Kevin Bennett from Main Company recording studios.

Kevin, from Brixton, told the teenagers how despite getting a criminal record when he was younger, he had been able to achieve his ambitions.

Keep the Dream Alive vice-chairman Genex, 37, told how he defrauded a bank of nearly £300,000 and ended up returning the money after having a "spiritual experience" while serving time in Brixton prison.

The youngsters also had a session with police where they talked about why they might be reluctant to report crime.

A representative from South Bank University spoke to them about the benefits of education.

Project director Tola Onigbanjo said: "People who have given up a life of crime are now happier with other things they are doing - they don't have to look over their shoulder.

"We aim to leave something positive with the youth so they know they don't have to go into crime and at the same time, let them know education is important and that they can utilise their talents."

[ Previous | Next ]