Justin Rollins

The Lost Boyz by Justin Rollins is a raw, unflinching autobiographical account of a troubled youth who rose from the depths of street violence to become a respected voice in criminology. Published by Waterside Press in 2011 and now studied in criminology courses across the UK, the book offers a rare insider’s perspective on gang culture, urban crime, and social breakdown.

At just fourteen, Rollins—known on the streets as "Sevens"—went from being a bullied child to leading the Warriorz, a South London gang of graffiti taggers entangled in turf wars, violent crime, and self-destruction. His story navigates the grim backstreets of pre-millennium London, painting a harrowing picture of life on the edge: gang warfare, racism, imprisonment, and acts of extreme self-harm. 

More than a memoir of chaos, The Lost Boyz is a testament to transformation. After years of violence and incarceration, Rollins turned his life around through therapy and reflection. Today, he is a powerful speaker and educator, using his lived experience to inform discussions on criminal justice. This is not just a story of lost youth—it’s a gripping narrative of survival, redemption, and the power of change.