In 2018, Hanif Johnson shattered records and expectations when, at the age of 27, he became the youngest judge ever elected in the state of Pennsylvania. Judge Hanif Johnson made history as the youngest judge ever elected in the state of Pennsylvania. Photo: Hanif Johnson. Source: Twitter Why did Hanif decide to be a judge? But behind this remarkable achievement lies a narrative of personal struggle, redemption, and a commitment to bring about change. During his teenage years, Johnson found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing handcuffs on multiple occasions. READ ALSO YouTuber Claims He’s Never Had Heartbreak, Married Woman He Met While 16: “I’ve Learnt a Lot” These experiences fueled his conviction that the justice system often fell short of providing a fair chance, especially for individuals who shared his background. “The only thing that saved me was my positive ties to the community,” Johnson said. “The first one was for a robbery and I just went fishing with one of the police officers, and they were able to get my a polygraph test, so they gave me a lie detector test and they found out that they had the wrong people.” Hanif changes for the better Recognising the disparity in treatment, he decided to channel his adversities into a force for positive change. Leaving behind a well-paying job, Johnson embarked on a courageous campaign for public office. Despite scepticism about his age, he engaged sceptics in conversations, showcasing his knowledge and leadership capabilities. READ ALSO Disturbed Man Claims Girlfriend Doesn’t Wash His Clothes Despite Him Providing Food: “Hanirespect” His resilience and determination prevailed, proving that age is not a barrier to making a difference. “One day, I decided this ain’t the way I want to live my life, so I started running track. The track actually saved my life,” Johnson said, later becoming a state champion. Hanif mentoring young people Beyond the courtroom, he dedicates his free time to mentoring the youth in his neighbourhood, becoming a beacon of inspiration. Whether counselling aspiring athletes or budding entertainers, Judge Johnson instils in them the belief that overcoming obstacles is possible with determination and hard work. Since assuming office in 2018, Judge Johnson has made a significant impact during his six-year term. His approach to justice is shaped by the empathy and understanding derived from his personal experiences. This unique perspective allows him to address issues in a manner that resonates with the people he serves, fostering a sense of trust and community. READ ALSO Man Who Married Pensioner While 18 Years Old Celebrates Her on 80th Birthday: ‘My Baby Doll” Man erroneously sentenced to death released Back at home, a Kenyan man, Simon Lokwachelia, aged 49, has been freed after battling appeals to prove his innocence in a robbery with violence case that ended with him being slapped with a death sentence. Since his conviction in 2000, Lokwachelia has always maintained his innocence, claiming he was accused of crimes he knew nothing about. He was convicted after being found guilty of five counts of robbery with violence by a Nanyuki Court, Citizen Digital reported. On April 13, 2000, the then Nanyuki Senior Resident Magistrate S.M. Kibunja sentenced Lokwachwelia to death, having found him guilty of the charges. BY TUKO NEWS