Former Armed Robber reveals how He Turned Life Around

A father-of-two who was jailed for an armed robbery more than 10 years ago has “turned his life around” thanks to a businessman’s help.

Zaishan Jahangir, aged 29, originally from Bolton, was jailed in 2011 after becoming involved in a gang that was responsible for two armed robberies in Daubhill.

Since then, he has worked hard to get his life back on track and give back to the community.

Zaishan says it was made possible thanks to Chorley-based businessman Shaz Malik, owner of Four Sixes taxi company.

Mr Malik took it upon himself to give Zaishan some guidance.

Zaishan explained: “I popped in to see him at his taxi stand after I’d heard about how he’d helped other people.

“He was apprehensive at first but he’s helped me so much, giving me advice and moral support.”

Zaishan was jailed for eight years for his role in the robberies. He found that upon his release, life was still difficult until he met Mr Malik.

Understanding the seriousness of his crimes, he met with and apologised to his victims but still found things difficult.

Zaishan told The Bolton News: “I’ve been turned down for numerous jobs but he’s told me to keep going.

“It’s very difficult to get work with a criminal record, I’ve been turned down for almost every job I’ve applied for.

“It totally ruined my confidence but when I spoke to Shaz about it, he offered to help.”

Mr Malik helped to rebuild Zaishan’s self-belief and helped him to start a new job in a warehouse.

Now Zaishan wants to help the community. He and Mr Malik are now planning to start a business together.

Zaishan said: “We’re looking to get set up in the hospitality trade, something that will benefit the whole community.”

Mr Malik believes the ex-convict has a bright future now that he has worked to put his past behind him.

Mr Malik said:

“Everyone deserves a second chance, he just needed to come to terms with what he’d done.”

“In our society now, it doesn’t matter who you are or your background, if you fall in with the wrong crowd you can end up on the wrong track.”

Mr Malik explained how he found a willing listener in Zaishan.

He said: “Everything I said, he automatically took it on board, everything I told him, he really took it personally.”

Mr Malik hopes to help other people whose lives have taken a wrong turn.

He added: “There more people that reach out, the more we can stop them from doing something wrong.

“But if you really want to change, you’ve got to do it.”