Another lost child: an escape from south London gang life - in pictures

Ex-gang member Jean Claude Dagrou, or Vipoh as he was known, whose story inspired the exhibition, shows his knife scars. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery.
Photograph: Adam Patterson

As the project progressed Dagrou started to withdraw from his old friends, and spent most days with Patterson, who took pictures for his MySpace page. He enrolled on a college course and began mentoring youths in the music studio where he worked. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery. Photograph: Adam Patterson

Dagrou's tattoo was the inspiration behind the title of the exhibition. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery.
Photograph: Adam Patterson

“When I was in hospital I was thinking it was the end, but I got a second chance and thought ‘I can change this around’,” says Dagrou. He was inspired to take up photography himself and enrolled in a course at Photofusion. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery. Photograph: Adam Patterson

Two years later, Dagrou had completed his photography course and moved to Doncaster to be with his girlfriend. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery. Photograph: Adam Patterson

"A young guy can turn his life around, he doesn't have to be what his friends are." Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery. Photograph: Adam Patterson

Settled in Doncaster, Dagrou is now looking for work, and keeping up his own photography. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery. Photograph: Adam Patterson

Dagrou and his girlfriend are expecting their first child, a boy, due in the summer. Adam Patterson & Jean Claude Dagrou: Another Lost Child at Photofusion Gallery. Doncaster 2010 Photograph: Adam Patterson