Teen Dodges Jail, Turns Life Around and Wins Big Award
Fifteen-year-old Jahlil Kumar faced prison after a shock visit from Nottinghamshire Police’s Criminal Investigation Department. The knock on his door was a wake-up call that made him rethink his future.
From Troubled Teen to Budding Entrepreneur
Threatened with losing his freedom, friends, and family, Jahlil chose a different path. With support from a youth worker, he ditched crime and launched his own business. Now, he’s not just staying on the right side of the law—he’s thriving.
Winning the Prestigious Lyrico Steede Award
Jahlil scooped the Lyrico Steede Award, named after a young Bulwell man tragically murdered in 2018. This prize celebrates youngsters who have turned their backs on gangs, knife crime, and violence, becoming inspirations instead.
From School Trouble to GCSE Success
Battling potential permanent exclusion, trauma, and personal losses, Jahlil has made a remarkable turnaround. Now, he’s focused on his GCSEs with dreams of a career in electrical installation and entrepreneurship.
“This all made me realise I had to fix up or I’m going to land on the wing with a lot of other people and I didn’t want to be having a friend reunion with people in jail,” said Jahlil.
Jahlil opened up about his struggles:
- “Going into secondary school I was quite a lost child, trying to find where I fit in.”
- “My dad was in and out of jail, and I started hanging around the wrong crowd.”
- “I was acting out—skipping lessons, messing about, smoking weed.”
- “When I got arrested aged 13, CID came to school and picked me up. That was my turning point.”
Since meeting his youth support worker Stephen in 2022, everything changed. Stephen’s energy and guidance helped Jahlil see there’s more to life than the streets.
“He’s come so far in 14 months—from a boy to a young man,” said Stephen. “Despite his troubles and traumas, he’s flourished. He’s smashed interviews, helped raise awareness on youth violence, even travelling to coventry/" title="Coventry" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Coventry to share his story.”
“Jahlil’s world is his oyster now. He can be anything—an entrepreneur, a success story. These youngsters just need someone to believe in them. He’s a diamond.”
A Message of Hope From Nottinghamshire Police
The Lyrico Steede Award is part of Nottinghamshire Police’s ‘1 Our Best Life’ initiative, launched to celebrate young people overcoming adversity. Youth outreach worker Romel Davis, who supports youngsters like Jahlil daily, urges others to follow his example.
“I hope Jahlil’s story inspires other youths on the wrong path,” Romel said. “You can turn your life around with better choices. Jahlil is proof it’s possible. Change your mindset. Become an inspiration.”
