Greater Manchester Probation Trust

Lee’s life is back in gear

TRAINEE mechanic Lee’s life is back in gear after years spent in and out of jail.

He was expelled from secondary school in his early teens, and began stealing cars soon after. Having become a father eight years ago, Lee attempted to turn his life around, but was arrested for burglary after getting drunk.

Lee was sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for two years, and a 12 month probation order. Given Lee’s track record, the likelihood was he’d end up back behind bars.

However, thanks to his commitment and GMPT’s help, he has transformed.

He said: “I’ve wasted years of my life and now I’ve got no cv and it’s very hard to get a job.

“I always had a problem with authority, whether that was at school or in prison. The years I spent in and out of jail educated me in the wrong way and made me go more against the system.”

Thanks to Lee’s Probation Officer, who helped him enrol on a GNVQ motor technician’s course – which he passed – and First Step Trust, a Salford-based charity, he has enjoyed two work placements at garages in the city.

He said: “Before I had an attitude problem, I didn’t care, but now I’ve got a daughter and I’ve wanted to benefit from the help I’ve been offered.

“My Probation Officer has faith in me and I didn’t want to let her down.”