Yorkshire businessman wrongfully put in jail celebrates triumph over challenging times
Image by YorkshireLive
After enduring a lot of hardships when his Post Office was raided by the police, a postmaster from Huddersfield recently marked his ten-year anniversary running the business with a special celebration.
In October 2017, Mohammed ‘Mo’ Khan had the shock of his life when Salendine Nook Post Office, which he had been runnung, and two Halifax addresses were raided along with another one in Sheffield. According to West Yorkshire Police, assets worth slightly over £3 million, including cash and jewellery, were seized from the locations. However, after three years, the criminal investigation concluded with all those who were initially apprehended being released without charge.
The money-laundering raid, however, changed Khan’s life forever as he revealed that he was suspended from his job for three years. This week, he had the chance to look back on the tough times and realise that he has conquered his battles. He spent time with friends, family and Kirklees deputy mayor, Councillor Cahal Burke, and expressed how shocked he was to see the police at his door.
Image by YorkshireLive
He told YorkshireLive: “It took some time to realise that they had come for me. Eventually, it dawned on me that I had to go to Huddersfield police station and I was kept in a cell for several hours. It wasn’t a very nice experience.”
After this ordeal, Khan had to wait for three years for the police to allow him to work with his future hanging by a thread. He continued: “If I am honest, I never thought I would see light at the end of the tunnel. I lost a lot of weight, seven stones in fact though I’ve put most of it back on again over the years.
“At one point I didn’t think I would ever be able to run my branch again and in fact, was quite close to resigning as there was a lot of negativity from a lot of people; some even closest to me who said I would never be able to run my branch again and that I should give up.”
During the celebration on Monday, he expressed his gratitude for all the support he received and highlighted how his family had faith in him throughout a very challenging period. Councillor Burke told Yorkshire Live that Khan was a “man of integrity who provided an excellent local service”.
