A woman who referred to herself as a “tornado” and was imprisoned for pushing a burning wheelie bin towards law enforcement during a riot has shared her transformation story. Stacey Vint, aged 34, was one of the initial rioters sentenced following the Southport incident. Videos of her actions went viral, leading to a guilty plea for violent disorder and a 20-month jail term.
Reflecting on her past, Stacey described a chaotic life marked by addiction and homelessness. She admitted to being indifferent to the conditions she lived in as long as she had access to alcohol and drugs. Stacey recalled feeling hopeless and using substances to numb herself on the day of the riot.
During her time in prison, Stacey had a moment of realization about the impact of her actions on others. She acknowledged the fear and destruction she caused during the riot, something she had not considered before. After her release, Stacey participated in a restorative justice program with Restorative Cleveland, where she met a former teacher who remembered her from childhood.
Stacey’s encounter with her past teacher helped her take responsibility for her actions and express her desire to make amends. The teacher commended Stacey for her bravery and honesty in turning her life around. Together, they have been sharing their experiences with various groups, including schools and law enforcement, to educate about the consequences of crime and substance abuse.
Their involvement in community events, such as the clean-up after the riots, has been part of their journey towards redemption. The success of Stacey’s story with Restorative Cleveland has inspired a documentary titled “Riot to Redemption,” supported by Tees Million. Restorative Cleveland’s work in the Cleveland Police area, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, aims to support both victims and offenders through restorative justice practices.
