A GROUND-BREAKING event to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Southall was a massive success.

More than 400 people attended a talk by former gangster rapper Mutah Beale to debate the consequences of local crime at The Dominion Centre.

He joined young people from the Somali community in Ealing and Southall, magistrates and justice agencies at the event on October 24.

Previously known as Napoleon when he was part of murdered rapper Tupac Shakur’s rap group Outlawz, Mutah Beale reverted to Islam and now preaches a message of peace.

He spoke about the hip hop lifestyle and some of the dangers that surround it, as well as discussing crime, drugs and gangs, and other choices young people can make.

The day also featured a mock trial featuring a cast of young Somalis, street poetry, and a forum to discuss the challenges faced by the community, with representatives from the police, courts and local youth groups.

The event was organised by the Chairman of the Ealing Bench of magistrates, Ann McLaughlin JP. She said: "The event was a huge success and we were delighted with the turn-out. We wanted to let young people in the area know that they always have a choice and I think we accomplished that.

"Mutah Beale was fantastic. He spoke about his experiences with crime as well as his former drug and alcohol use. I think he was marvellous speaker and people were left with a lot to think about by the time he had finished."