I have nobody to talk to since pal was jailed for burglary

DEAR DEIDRE: MY one and only friend has been sent to prison for aggravated burglary. 

I was as shocked as everyone else  when this happened.

I’m a man of 41 and so is he. We grew up together, having met in junior school. He has been married and is now divorced. He doesn’t have kids.

I’m a single man and I would meet my friend most Friday nights for a ­couple of pints and a game of pool.

I talked to him when he was out on bail and he is full of remorse and says he was talking to a counsellor to help him change his ways.

Now he has gone away, I don’t have anyone else to talk to.

I don’t want to kick him when he’s down but I’m not sure whether I should visit him.

I don’t agree with what he did but should I go and see him in jail?

DEIDRE SAYS: If he truly is getting some support to change, then it may be good for you both to maintain this friendship.

You can support him and encourage him that a leopard really can change its spots.

For help and advice,  contact Nacro (0300 123 1889, nacro.org.uk).

This organisation helps prisoners and ex-offenders as well as their family and friends.