A Beckenham man who served time in prison is trying to set up a social enterprise to help other ex-offenders.

Colin Doran, from Sultan Street, had a ‘wild youth’ getting into fights and trouble.

In 2007 Mr Doran, 33, was sentenced to five years in prison for firearms offences.

The former Kelsey Park pupil was caught with a Webley imitation handgun for a planned jewel heist worth more than £40,000.

He served three years of his sentence during which he realised it was time for change.

Mr Doran, who lives with fiancée Angela Bevan, 29, and their daughter who's nearly two, said: “When I was in prison I thought I’ve had enough. That was the final straw.

“It was a total waste of life before and I was hurting people around me.

“I want to do something better with my life and do something positive and give back to the world.”

In the six or so years since his release he's worked hard and has set up a number of successful businesses including an online bike community and a guest accomodation service. 

They are now trying to get crowdfunding for a social enterprise, named free4change, aimed at reforming ex-offenders.

MORE TOP STORIES Setting it up with his fiancée, his idea is a crowdfunding platform itself allowing ex-offenders to apply for funding for community projects. 

He aims to reduce re-offending by giving the former inmates an opportunity to give back to their society. 

Launched on Saturday (May 16) his project has 27 days to reach its £17,000 target, but he vowed to continue with his idea whether he raised the full amount or not.

Mr Doran, who works in construction, said: “I think it’s very important to have something like this because when I was first released it was very hard.

“Unless you’ve got family or friends it’s hard to turn your life around and get a decent job because people don’t want to give ex-offenders a chance.”

“I think with my experience I’ll be able to help people.

“This won’t give them a job directly but it will get them in the right mindset to do something good, and reintegrate them back into the community.

“Hopefully they will be able to see there are so many things they can be doing in life, keeping them out of crime and reduce re-offending.”

After speaking to a number of ex-offenders, he’s received positive feedback with some ideas already mooted including a charity boxing match.

Mr Doran, who is moving to Biggin Hill, added: “It would mean a lot to me if it became successful and did something positive for society.”

For more information or to donate visit: igg.me/at/free4change