A CONVICTED murderer is going to be at a Bicester book store tomorrow to talk about his life behind bars.

The reformed Erwin James - now a newspaper columnist - spent 20 years imprisoned for the murder of two men.

Now he has written a book on his life inside and was invited by the co-owner of Bicester's Cole's Books Store to speak about his experiences.

Co-owner Nigel French said: "Last summer I found myself in a maximum security prison.

"I was a guest of a literacy charity, and it was only for an evening – but an evening which will stay with me for many years.

"I then got chatting with the guest author, Erwin James, and being unfamiliar with his work I asked him what do you write to which he replied non-fiction, I write about life experiences.

"When he started to speak he said I know what you guys are going through, for I have been where you are now – I am a convicted murderer and I was sent to prison over 30 years ago, a wild man and barely literate.

"This angry, violent young man had been found guilty of murder and sentenced to a life in prison."

Mr James was convicted after murdering two men with somebody he met whilst sleeping rough and living in squats in 1984 and spent 20 years behind bars - during which learnt to read and write.

He worked his way towards achieving a BA degree in history and wrote to a number of newspapers to tell his story and eventually become a regular columnist for the Guardian.

Now, he has written his book titled Redeemable depicting his life behind bars.

Mr French added: "There have been several high profile prison diaries published over the years, ironically mostly written by shamed politicians, however, the articles written by Erwin James tell a story which I will not easily forget.

"I enjoyed my evening in prison and I enjoyed meeting Erwin James – all of my experiences that evening shone a light on some of the darkest shadows of life.

"I am delighted that Erwin has agreed to come to Cole's Books in March to tell us his story."

The Bicester store in Crown Walk will host the book signing on Thursday, March 10, at 7pm.

Tickets are £5 which includes £5 off signed book.