A SCHOOLBOY left 'scared' after witnessing criminals punished for their wrongdoing has vowed to put his troublesome days behind him.

Student Josh Biggar revealed he became a nuisance at school, constantly getting into trouble and mixing with the wrong crowds, which sparked behavioural problems.

But the former troublemaker said his life has since been transformed after a special initiative helped him 'see the light' during trips to Oxford Crown Court.

The John Mason School student, who has pledged to never get on the wrong side of the law, has been inspired to pursue a career in the police force thanks to the Getting Court project.

The 14-year-old said: "There were people in court who had gone down the wrong path. After seeing that, I did not want to go down that road. I wanted turn myself around.

"Before I was in a lot of trouble but now I have seen the bad side of the law. It's changed me a lot."

The Year nine student said his life was 'up and down' before getting involved with the programme, set up by former High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Tom Birch Reynardson almost two years ago.

He would often argue with his parents, who feared his behaviour would get 'pretty bad' unless a change was made.

Teachers would also request he leave classrooms soon after lessons had begun, dreading he would cause trouble among students, Josh revealed.

Bob Clark, who runs an inclusive department at the Abingdon school, praised the 'excellent' initiative for transforming Josh's life.

The former young offenders teacher added: "It's been hard for him. He has turned a corner and hopefully it will continue.

"The biggest improvement that we could hope for was that Josh sees the light - he has turned his life around with the aid of Getting Court.

"He has become a very pleasant young man around school, he has really changed."

Getting Court, launched to give youngsters an insight into the criminal justice system, aims to deter them from a life of crime or inspire them to pursue legal careers.

About 25 schools across the county have benefited from the programme, which sees youngsters quiz judges about decisions made during trials and sentence hearings.

People from across the county united to celebrate the anniversary of the project during a special event at Modern Art Oxford on Wednesday.

Judge Ian Pringle QC, the Honorary Recorder of Oxford, said getting involved with the initiative was one of the 'best decisions' he had made.

He added: "The difference upon these children is profound - it's been a fantastic experience.

"It's a lot of work but it is worth it. It is important for the students to understand that there are consequences of misbehaving in life and rewards if they don't."