The Real Reason Criminal Wept When Judge Revealed They Were Former Classmates

Arthur Booth wept in a viral video as he stood in court in front of a former classmate. 

Like many teens, he had dreams of a successful career. He was outstanding at maths and science and would tell friends and family he wanted to be a neuro-surgeon.

His classmate, Mindy Glazer also had ambitions.

She had set her sights on college - first she wanted to be a veterinarian, but then she decided she wanted to go to law school and a have career as a top lawyer.

As millions of people have seen in a heart-wrenching courtroom video only one of those students fulfilled their dream.

The former classmates came face to face when Booth, 49, appeared before Glazer in her current role as a bond hearing judge. 

As he recognised her, he became overcome with emotion.

Family members revealed to Daily Mail Online that Booth has spent almost half his entire adult life behind bars.

He was addicted to crack cocaine and gambling which led him into a life of petty crime. 

'If it had not been for Arthur's addictions to gambling and drugs he would not be where he is,' said his cousin to Daily Mail Online.

'That has been his downfall. He is not a violent person and has not hurt anyone but to feed his addictions he always needed money and it was easier to steal.

'He has been the architect of his own downfall and made a lot of mistakes.

'Everyone in the family now hopes that appearing before his old classmate and the shame he felt will be the wake up call. We just hope that he can move on from this and start his life over.'

More than 35 years ago, prison wasn't in the sights of Booth. He was handpicked to attend Nautilus Middle School after achieving outstanding grades at the William J. Bryant elementary school.

Family members said Arthur had self taught himself Spanish.

'We always knew Arthur was something special as he was born with six fingers on his right hand,' said his aunt Betty Knight.

'He was such a lovely boy. So tenacious and always wanting to learn. He really was very bright and his parents were thrilled when he was chosen to go to Nautilus.'

He remained in High School until the 11th grade when he dropped out. By that time, according to family members, Booth had become addicted to gambling.

'It just took over his life. He didn't have a job so the only way to get money was to steal. He would break into warehouses or empty homes. He was never violent to anyone. He just needed money quick and that was how he got it.'

'People tried to get him help but it was a downward spiral. He needed money to pay for drugs and he could only get that from dealing or stealing.
'Nothing anyone said to him made a difference. It was a desperate time back in the 1980s when so many people were on crack.'

Meanwhile, his classmate had achieved her goal of becoming a judge.

Most of the Booth's extended family have watched the courtroom video when Booth came face to face with his former classmate.

The touching encounter ended with a reality check when Judge Glazer set Booth's bond at $43,000.

But she had some comforting parting words for her former classmate, telling him: 'Mr Booth, I hope you're able to change your ways.

'Good luck to you, sir. I hope you are able to come out of this okay and just lead a lawful life.'

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