Donors line up to help 'skinhead' tattoo man

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Donors line up to help 'skinhead' tattoo man
July 20, 2011
nzherald.co.nz

Radio DJ Simon Barnett has come to the aid of a former skinhead wanting to start a new crime free life.

Barnett will pay $2000 out of his own pocket to help fund the removal of Carl Drewett's distinctive tattoo from his forehead.

The money will go towards the $2500 quote to remove the tattoo.

Barnett said the donation was a "hand-up" rather than a "handout".

"I did it because I think he's a genuine person," he said.

Drewett, 28, was trying to raise money to remove his "Skinhead" tattoo so he could start a new life.

His former probation officer had looked into various options, including applying for money through government agencies, to assist Drewett in collecting money for the laser tattoo removal.

Drewett said he regretted getting the tattoo when he was in prison at 23.

After reading the story, an 87-year-old woman sent the Christchurch Star a cheque and called on others to help Drewett's cause.

Barnett said he admired Drewett's courage and humility to take ownership of his mistakes and ask for help.

He felt the only way Drewett could move forward and change his life was to have the "ghastly" tattoo removed and he wanted to be able to help.

"He'll never get ahead with that on his face. That tattoo is going to prevent him getting a job."

Barnett said Drewett's tattoo had created a lot of on air debate.

"When I talked about it on air it really bugged a lot of people who didn't think he should be helped.

"People were saying he's got himself into this mess he's got to get himself out of it but sometimes how do you get yourself out of a situation if you don't have a hand-up," Barnett said.

"It annoys me that people cast these people aside. Nobody is prepared to give them a chance.

"We all make mistakes. My feeling is that this guy is really trying, from what I can gather, to get his life sorted out.

"He doesn't subscribe to the belief system he had when he got the tattoo done.

"He's tried to disassociate himself from his former crowd.

"I feel he is genuine. We've got to trust he's as good as his word. Then the responsibility really is his.

"At least I'll go to sleep easier at night knowing I've played my little part."

Drewett said he was blown away by Barnett's gesture.

"I can't believe it," he said.

"When he told me I was speechless. I didn't know what to say.

"This is pretty far out, I'm stoked," he said.

Drewett said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support from around the country.