Surviving London's Deadly Streets: Gangs, Essex & Drugs - Frank

Taboo Room interviews Frankie from Essex, London who was sentenced to 9-Years and served time in some of the toughest prisons in the UK. Frank was a normal guy from Essex trying to make ends meet was struggling to survive the daily grind. He decided to get involved in the wrong world alongside gangsters, drugs because he needed to make extra cash to look after his family. A story of young naivety, Frankie now an ex-con who's life was changed for the second time after a threatening heart attack wanted to share his experience to deter others from choosing a life of crime.

[@TheTabooRoomWithAaron]

Filmed at Cow Studios cowphotostudios.co.uk/

[@noelht1]

This guy is brighter and more articulate than he believes himself to be. I think he’s got a good future ahead of him he’s learned his lesson and got away with it quite lightly considering what could’ve happened later down the road. Good luck to him. Seems like a straight up guy. Just hope he keeps out of the life.

[@Vegasomg]

He's such a well spoken bloke. Glad he turned things around.

[@Gargamel616]

Criminal, drug runner. Thank goodness he's well spoken. 😂

[@erincraig9109]

Great interview! So interesting- and so easy to get caught up in that life… wish him and his family health, happiness and peace

[@staceyw3948]

What a story! Frankie thank you for sharing your story! I wish you nothing but the best!

[@Olivia-ug8ie]

Wild story Frankie. Here’s to hoping your story deters someone else making the same mistakes!

[@ellacor5194]

I’ve discovered this channel thanks to my ‘for you page’ on ig, and i find it extremely interesting. Nice of you letting the people you interview do most of the talking, it really seems like they open up! Just one thing, since I’m italian and you might get ‘popular’ soon (I really hope you make it), you should try and put subtitles on everything that’s said during the interview! (so maybe also when you talk!) Sometimes the british accent isn’t the easiest to pick up. Keep up the great work :)

[@seanashurst2847]

So humble and down to earth. Rare for someone from Essex 😂😂

[@londone2361]

Nah that’s just what tv makes out u go Essex it’s not all glitz and glamour in fact most of Essex is a bit of a dump

[@bradleywright3031]

U ever been to Essex mate? 😂 or just watched towie

[@samclarkelccm629]

Yh I have lived my whole life in Essex.. As with anywhere there are really nice places and incredibly horrible places and same goes for people however unfortunately often the stereotypes are true among the teenage population in certain areas Shrieking voices fake tan.. And lots and lots of wannabe London gangsters who were raised in a happy home with no struggle but choose to sell drugs and talk like you're from peckham who grew upWithout a pot to piss in. This is considered a desirable persona for some reason.

[@turgutgilgil4562]

True

[@huntermosely7420]

To be honest , overwhelming majority of Essex folk I've met are the nicest ever.

[@connorcraig1598]

Just discovered this channel , subbed , this is a great interview well done for letting the interviewee talk and tell the story without butting in like some others on KZbin, his is story is inspirational and great heads up to not get involved In drugs or stupid gang shit. Its not worth it life's too short and prison is a waste of time waste of life nothing is worse than being separated from your family and kids its heartbreaking. His story is good and educational and glad he turned it around in the end, drugs is a mugs game , drugs are for mugs, drugs are a mugs game cause so much destruction and suffering 👍

[@victoriagaskell2231]

What a brilliant interview.. Highlighted everything about the drugs world, nothing glamorous about ut.. Good luck Frank for your future x

[@anthonybarrington4048]

My name is Tony Barrington and I can tell you this rite now that this is truth what is being said but let me say that frank stedman is an absolutely amazing lovely man, and look at his honesty, frankie is an absolute amazingly beautiful kind hearted family man and I just want to say that if you read this Frank just remember our time at school as good pals and just remember that I can verify that you are amazing and I love you Frank steadman, love from Tony Barrington xxx

[@anthonybarrington4048]

Frankie steadman is my good friend and one amazing lovely man

[@tobefrank3275]

Thanks Tony Appreciate it 👍🏻

[@richardkick6708]

Nice one bro, for speaking the truth. Not a lot of people can be so open minded.

[@leequigley2077]

Good to listen to that mate and real nice to see you again. Remember playing badminton with you,nige and Robbie masters. Had some good laughs with ya mate.

[@keithberry9435]

Good on you pal true gent you shine through with a good heart bless bro for accepting your failures may not of been a role model you are now respect

[@Monkeyamingus777]

Mad Respect for turning you're back on crime 🙂

[@anxiousbrusselsprout]

Every wanna be gangster should take the time to watch this. Much love Frankie for your honesty, all the best for the future ❤️

[@londone2361]

I don’t understand the “gangster” in the title- I can see “Frank” wouldn’t call himself that- selling drugs doesn’t make you a gangster.. although many kids think that’s all it takes

[@UManzBetterKnow]

Frankie is a snitch. He talked to get reduced sentence

[@JUSTAUFCNOOB]

Lol he’s not a wannabe gangster he was a delivery man he knew his role was nothing more than picking up and dropping off he wasn’t shooting guns and stabbing people

[@anxiousbrusselsprout]

@@JUSTAUFCNOOB I didn't say he was a wanna be gangster, maybe you should read the comment again .

[@JUSTAUFCNOOB]

@@anxiousbrusselsprout lol I can read you said every wannabe gangster should take the time to watch this, this guy isn’t a gangster and a story about a delivery man isn’t nothing to do with been a gangster I don’t even know why it has it in the title so why should wannabe gangsters take time to watch this 🤣

[@nicolemcgregor944]

I watched this last night but came back to it it’s just so good I really like this guy

[@ThruDark1]

I was hooked on this from start to finish. Can tell he’s a decent bloke . Just got involved in abit of madness

[@danmillson9992]

what a nice guy really enjoyed listening to his story

[@gagiman7273]

What a nice chap. Just goes to show how many people are tempted by the easy money. It's never worth it the cost to you and family is to much

[@nha9199]

Great interview

[@realitywinner7582]

the Light of Heaven to Frankie ..very genuine .

[@joshuathompson7714]

Fascinating, really liked this bloke but I feel like the video could have been so much longer going into more details about certain aspects. Non the less still a fantastic interview

[@jaylondon283]

Yeh I was curious of his age. If he was still inside and if it was recorded from in the prison too

[@Retrobeemer]

*This popped up on my home page and peaked my interest because I have spent some time in prison myself, paying the price for stupid decisions where I didn't consider the potential circumstances of my actions. I last went to prison about 12 or 13 years ago and hopefully that will be the last time. Nowadays I work with the homeless and vulnerable adults and getting my DBS checks done reminded me of some of the stupid things I did and the time I wasted being locked away. It also reminded me of the hurt I caused to family and friends. I think I was just lost and prison was easy as it took away and need for me to take responsibility for myself. I was told when to sleep, when to get up, what to eat. I had a roof, a bed and a shower. Mad as it may seem, the only thing I missed was my Mrs. In truth I didn't really have anything the system could take from me other than my liberty. Nowadays though, I see that same mentality in these videos and TikToks being made from jail. These lads don't have anything and treat jail time like it's a joke. A place where they'll see their pals anyway, so it's definitely no deterrent to living a life of crime. It's sad that losing their liberty matters so little. Anyway, here's hoping it isn't too much longer till Frankie is out and playing with his kids!*

[@stooooogs8763]

What a pleasant man, best of luck to him

[@npd6225]

The undercover geezer from the cafe doesn’t have a Scooby 😂

[@jacko2815]

Respect to you. Come ocross a genuine person with alot of regret. Sadly this is the common thing for many people though

[@chapter6ix]

Good on you mate keep doing right you’re shining 👍

[@Nathzy01]

Top lad, we all make mistakes and I personally know how tough it is by just getting by everyday. People pray on that and portray good life. All the best to you and the family pal 👍

[@cuebj]

Think you meant 'prey', not 'pray'. There but for the grace of God... would have gone lots of young men I've known. Most struggled at school due to dyslexia, overactive energy, etc. Some even deliberately chose not to family business of crime despite few to no qualifications. A common factor in not going that way was finding a reason to live differently. Some didn't avoid it and got life sentence or killed. Some began to pray, found and found by Jesus Christ and supportive Christian family. Hope he stays straight and alive

[@Nathzy01]

@@cuebj religion is more evil than gangsters

[@ocgtvofficial]

Respect to this young man.

[@Jon-gj3jr]

Frankie what a top man love your honesty and your story pal

[@glennscrafton238]

Hellish story to the realisation of what drugs and crime leads to eventually. Some slip through the net very luckily and never get an arrest key word been some very few

[@simonabbott725]

Emotional ending, Best of luck to the future, life is a roller coaster full of ups and downs twists and turns and don't we know it 👊

[@Luke-tb7fv]

Such a nice guy, can understand how he ended up in that situation. Life's tough, labouring on a building site is practically slavery for the Pharaohs

[@Essex007]

Can feel the adrenaline in his voice, that's how u know he's talking truth

[@user-sj1ju5sd4t]

weird but it’s hard to watch more than once because it hits the feels

[@cockneyred]

Well done mate

[@kaydengough]

I think the bloke should try out for possible modeling, he's got good proportions, could possibly make something of that. Other than that, well spoken and enjoyed the interview.

[@somewhereuk1957]

I dont know what this young man is doing for work now. But didnt someone start a programme of people like him visiting schools and telling their story. Seems to me he would be a perfect candidate for that.

[@ELITEDEMON991]

A lot to be said for a quiet life, fascinating story all the same.

[@kevinspachier203]

I respect this man for his honesty drugs will always be a cat and mouse game it's never going to stop in fact it will get worse where there is poverty crime will be rife concrete City is a mountain pot

[@grwuk]

He seems a really nice guy, best wishes for the future.

[@jimmylollington6692]

I love these kinda channels, cutting edge shit

[@lenniboss9183]

Love this guy ❤️

[@369dabbler]

Wish u and family well, rip to your brother

[@jamiebury1807]

Im so sorry for your loss frankie. I wish you the best in the future

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

Seems a decent bloke caught up in a bad situation who looked for the easy money and is wise enough to realise what a giant mistake that step is but still loads take it

[@glenstaines5247]

Nice one Frank 👊🏻

[@djfriskyd1857]

Waltham Close Abbey is close to me! Seems like a down to earth guy.

[@bluj78]

He really gets across the cognitive dissonance of getting involved, knowing it's wrong and not really being able to explain it to yourself, let alone someone else!

[@YonsonBizzle]

I could tell a similar story. 500 odd key 12 months served. Belgium. 2021-2022. Investigation just finished.

[@gutz323]

Following your instincts or intuition is something you should always listen to, especially when you are doing something risky like trafficking drugs. You can always call it off and come back another day to do the deal if something doesn't feel right. Many successful criminals have listened to their gut instinct at the last minute and called the job off to be proved right, and many (like yourself) have ignored it and got caught. I would never deal drugs like you did, but if something didn't feel right at the last minute I would definitely call it off, even if I would have to bullshit to the guys that are one link up the chain. I would have just told them that there is old bill everywhere and tell them to call it off.

[@jamiebury1807]

😢 stay strong mate, u seem a great bloke

[@hughfeenan810]

He’s a great speaker. He reminds me of someone who would be a great family karate instructor or something.

[@Spencerlayne]

A very honest interview.

[@SnowmanSantana]

He wasn’t a “gangster” he was more a courier/delivery man for drugs

[@tooclaws]

Good for you bro. :)

[@kingjae9642]

Frankie’s no gangster but he can have a scrap ….

[@IFAMILYIH]

He is a good lad I wish him well

[@MikesReoPiff]

Good luck fella 👍🏽

[@french1804]

Saw a guy with an ear piece at the spot and thought nothing of it.

[@tommyd4829]

Nice chap , decent story, but franks tempted to get that burner phone out every time he s skint lol …how long he get ??

[@Bumsalad]

Nice one geez

[@SkAmA136]

Seems like a decent bloke, I hope things work out for him in the future. Maybe he's right when he said he's not the sharpest tool in the box. Saw a guy with a ear piece in the cafe/bakery yet still went to the buy, noticed the northern "drug dearlers" were acting strange yet still handed over the money.

[@matthewcarter180]

He has lived and learned like a real man

[@charlottecarter2748]

I respect him

[@jt305]

he spoke 18 mins non stop no breath

[@steveh5005]

Good man. Just one of those things

[@RealUKUndergroundHipHop]

He seems like a nice guy

[@joelkelk08]

Anyone know what his sentence was?

[@tobefrank3275]

9 years

[@londone2361]

@@tobefrank3275 is that you in the video?

[@FitraHomestead]

I find this guy hard to understand not sure if it’s the audio or the way he talks

[@Where_has_the_sanity_gone]

Why does the title say "gangster"? He was literally a delivery driver escorting a bag around

[@chriscolumbo130]

GOD BLESS RESPECT LOYALTY LOVE GRACE GLORY GOD PEACE!.

[@glasgowbhoy8711]

No watch car or house will replace missing ur brothers funeral. Thankful that I was never involved in high level crime and have left all the petty crime behind. Might be a bit skint sometimes but that’s life init

[@paulpaul6445]

Your definitely not cut out for that sort of life that's for sure and I'm sorry about your brother.

[@originalunoriginal4055]

Given the fact that money was the key factor behind his decision to turn rouge. Along with going down the route of handling and supplying narcotics, he could've been in situations that resulted in much more severe consequences. Such as being swayed by an "all paid and exclusive" holiday, with the only catch is, Smuggling narcotics in a suitcase on his return. Given the technology available today to airport security, he would've most likely been caught and face 15+ years behind bars. Even worse, if he got caught in international borders smuggling drugs, that's life or even death penalty.

[@B400]

The love of your children is worth more than any amount of money.

[@mrlee924]

Did he work for Benchmark scaffolding? Mid 2000s. If anybody knows? He looks very familiar 🤔

[@tobefrank3275]

Hi No I didn’t I was on marbren Epping

[@user-oo8wt3hr1t]

Please proof read your subtitles

[@user-sj1ju5sd4t]

Jheeze…powerful

[@mattmerkley4602]

Blimey

[@ricknaughty1016]

If i had to call this guy for drugs i would laugh everytime. Talk to frank drug helpline lol probably didnt use his real name tho, more then likely had a cute alias

[@tonyjackson3607]

😂

[@WildOutdoorCooking]

£60 a day scaffolding How can he afford the mortgage I would never know

[@dehydratedvital]

different type of word back then and the fact he saved so much money buying “blue label tesco” and not paying for transport

[@TheExConChronicles]

👏🏻

[@ajaytranter2655]

He missed a whole bunch of Information here. You don’t sell small amounts for yourself then just get a phone call to work for a major organisation doing near half a million £ drops a time . This story doesn’t make sense . If your from the streets you will see what I mean

[@viqarakram9440]

Wise choice

[@BBBBGGGG]

Good stuff. You need a better spoken interviewee

[@realah9820]

I swear this guy was in swaleside

[@Capedcrusader79]

How did the bloke in the cafe know to be there before frankie ,,,, either same routine every time or on the phones ,, either way it’s a no no

[@tobefrank3275]

He was watch the others in that town

[@Capedcrusader79]

@@tobefrank3275 what ya mean mate

[@shanekane9803]

alot of civilians in the comments think they know about this like becoz they watch movies

[@TJTOPBOY]

A lot of this story doesn’t make sense

[@mickf.4958]

How long did you get sentenced in jail for your crimes

[@davemackinder6518]

READ THE DESCRIPTION 16,260 views 3 Dec 2022 Taboo Room interviews Frankie from Essex, who was sentenced to 9-Years and served time in some of the toughest prisons in the UK. Frank was a normal guy from Essex trying to make ends meet was struggling to survive the daily grind. He decided to get involved in the wrong world alongside gangsters, drugs because he needed to make extra cash to look after his family. A story of young naivety, Frankie now an ex-con who's life was changed for the second time after a threatening heart attack wanted to share his experience to deter others from choosing a life of crime.

[@mickf.4958]

@@davemackinder6518 9 years

[@JL-jc9no]

got sentenced to 2 years

[@billyfrankland4337]

Watching this almost falling asleep until I heared my hometown mentioned Asif he was at ponte castle hahaha🤣

[@raindancerave8521]

Take me hat of to this fella knows he did wrong but is now trying to stop the younger generation going down that path brilliant interview should be shown in schools keep it up fella 👍

[@sirprancealott2003]

All the best Frank best wishes to you and your family

[@remsilk9296]

Stop lying they don’t come on a plane with guns 🧢

[@liams221]

On what basis do you make this comment on? Do you work for the police or airlines?

[@shanekane9803]

yes they do

[@poopinlumpy]

Dull as dishwater

[@Ultdonkey]

Typical story for a working class lad

[@jimblack8104]

Wasnt rubbish money I was earning £60 a day 😂

[@Razzfarms]

This is clearly a actor him talking about drugs he was dealing gives it away