About Ty
Based on an impactful real-life youth crime prevention programme in Perth, Australia, created and managed by the author, “Ty” unfolds both as a novel and a three-part TV drama, delving into the tumultuous life of Tyrone Lewis. This fourteen-year-old must navigate the perilous streets of London, born in prison to a fifteen-year-old heroin-addicted mother. His early experiences are scarred by physical abuse, neglect, drug trafficking, racism, mental health issues, youth gang involvement, and a rampant knife crime epidemic.
In the midst of this chaos, Ty forges an unexpected bond with a pregnant teenager escaping her brother’s abuse. This connection steers him into deeper trouble, leading to his imprisonment on several charges, including the kidnapping of a newborn found next to its deceased mother in a shadowy alley. Inside the prison walls, Ty is confronted with systemic injustice and racism, igniting his determination to defy the status quo.
Rising to a position of influence within the prison, Ty forms a profound connection with Spencer, a bullied transgender inmate. Together, they lead an alliance of inmates committed to eradicating makeshift weapons and drugs from the prison and bolstering each other’s mental health. Their overarching goal is to reduce youth re-offending, enhance safety, and confront critical issues such as knife crime, gang violence, antisocial behaviour, racism, and homophobia. They also reach out to assist the elderly and disabled, who feel imprisoned within their own homes.
Their efforts, however, face opposition from a notorious Albanian drug lord who controls London’s drug trade, human trafficking, and youth gangs. The government’s special forces, led by Clive, enlist Ty and his allies in a covert mission to dismantle this powerful enemy in exchange for special favours. Initially reluctant, Ty realises the necessity of engaging in this mission to protect his newfound family and their shared future.
Upon their early release, Ty and his colleagues, now heralded as the “HAY Patrollers” (Harmony Amongst Youth), continue their commendable work. They act as youth liaison officers in shopping centres and public spaces, markedly reducing youth crime and creating opportunities for multicultural street youths. Their efforts aim to reshape behaviours and foster safer communities. Nevertheless, Ty is acutely aware of the delicate pact he struck with Clive.
“Ty” is a compelling tale of struggle, redemption, and justice. It eloquently demonstrates how individuals from the most challenging environments can rise above their circumstances, breaking the cycle of violence to create a positive impact for themselves and their communities.
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