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After meeting Dez it becomes quite difficult to comprehend how this polite, well composed young man could have been a part of a terrifying life of crime.听

Yet, in his earlier years, Dez was heavily involved in drug dealing, robbery and cold blooded murder.

In this video feature Dez talks about his teenage years and what compelled him to stab a boy of his age. He reflects on his selfish, non forgiving attitude and the repercussions of his actions.

Dez Brown is now a Youth Pastor at the Emmanuel Christian Centre in Walthamstow. The image of Dez above is from his book "Convicted or Condemned."

What do you think?

Dez says today we live in a "me, myself and I" culture. He says street creditability, image, and the culture of a quick buck is what drives some young people to commit petty crime that then escalates. Do you believe this is the case? What do you think is the root cause of violent crime, especially amongst young people?

Your Views

I have just watched your short interview with Dez Brown and I think he is very brave for embarking on publicly speaking after such an incident.

It could be quite possible we need more role models like him to engage with the youths of today after all, the message does not seem to be getting through.听Every week more and more shootings and stabbings bring more fear to the streets of London.

Some of his comments are valid in that community and partnership is to key deterring crime and thus deterring youths getting involved in crime. But I don't feel that is enough.听 Young boys do not have anywhere to go after school or during the holidays since most youth centres and projects have been closed down for one reason or another.

My other point is that parents can play a key role in keeping there kids 'on the straight'. If there is anyone who will see the signs of a child veering off in the wrong direction it would be the parents, surely!

Devron in Hackney

You too can email your thoughts to:听 ramaa.sharma@bbc.co.uk