Great Britain sports star who was sent to prison says 'I tried helping people out and it backfired'

A former British Speedway sensation says he was sent to prison after "trying to help people and it backfired."

Jason Garrity was sentenced to seven years and six months behind bars after burgling a bed-bound man's home before then robbing an elderly woman at knifepoint. He then attempted to use one of his victim's bank cards to make a cash withdrawal but failed to do so.

Detective Constable Natalie Fairhurst of the Greater Manchester Police's Tameside District described Garrity's actions as "despicable crimes" during his sentencing in May 2020. She went on to note the Longsight native "deliberately targeted vulnerable members of the community" in carrying out said crimes.

However, the 2011 National League Riders Championship winner now appears intent on making a return to the track following his release. And Garrity has made an attempt to apologise for his actions, suggesting they came as a result of him trying to help "the wrong people."

"Obviously [I was] just hanging out with the wrong people," he told interviewer . "Thought those people were actually my friends. And I always knew that they weren't.

"Then everything happened. I just tried helping people out, and it backfired on me. Everything happened that fast, and it was just a sad thing. Straight away after it happened, I knew that shouldn't have happened. Then, once I got locked up, it was just a case of me putting everything to one side and dedicating myself so I could be as fit as possible for when I get out.

"Obviously, I'm trying to make everyone proud. I know it's not gonna happen straight away [or] overnight, it's something where I'll have to work 110% to get back to where I was. I'm really looking forward to it, but it was a bad scenario. And like I say, I'm sorry for everything that happened, and it's only me [who] can put things right."

Garrity - who has represented top flight speedway teams like the Belle Vue Aces, Leicester Lions, Sheffield Tigers and King's Lynn Stars in the past - also assured he's cut ties with certain bad influences in his life. A former British under-19 champion, Garrity was tipped for big things on the national circuit before issues in his personal life interfered with his career.

"I'm ready for it," added Garrity in regards to a track return. "I lost my granddad, that was a bit hard to deal with while I was away. I just want to make sure I can make him proud, make myself proud and make everyone around me proud. No-one's around me now making me go backwards in life."

Scunthorpe Amateur Speedway posted a photo of Garrity back on a bike alongside other riders in April. His return to the scene has led to division among fans, with some suggesting he should be permanently banned while others insist he deserves a second chance.