Shabir Ahmed to be released from prison with deportation not currently possible under existing law
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A man convicted of multiple sex offences in 2012 is set for release this week. Reports indicate that a legal loophole prevents his deportation despite the revocation of his British citizenship.
Amalgamated from The Mirror (opens in new tab), The Sun (opens in new tab), Daily Mail (opens in new tab)
Shabir Ahmed, aged 73, is scheduled for release from prison this week following a period of incarceration for multiple sexual offences. He was convicted in 2012 on several counts of rape and other sexual crimes involving girls in the Rochdale area of Greater Manchester.
According to reports from The Sun and The Mirror, Ahmed’s British citizenship was revoked during his legal proceedings. However, both outlets report that he cannot be deported to Pakistan. The Guardian has reported that the deportation block is linked to protections under the Immigration Act 1971, which can prevent removal of individuals who have been resident in the UK for an extended period. Ahmed was convicted as a leading figure in a gang that sexually exploited girls in the Rochdale area.
The Daily Mail reports that Ahmed was convicted of at least 30 child rape offences prior to sentencing. While authorities moved to revoke his citizenship following these crimes, they have informed those involved in the case that deportation is not currently possible under existing legal frameworks. His upcoming release follows a period of time spent in custody for his role in the sex ring. Despite the loss of his citizenship, he remains in the United Kingdom because current law does not permit his removal at this time.
Why this matters
The case highlights complexities regarding the enforcement of deportation orders against individuals convicted of serious crimes. It also brings attention to the specific legal hurdles that can prevent the removal of non-citizens even after their residency status has been revoked by the state.
What's confirmed / what isn't
All three outlets confirm his upcoming release and the fact that deportation is blocked by a legal loophole despite his revoked citizenship. The specific nature of the legal hurdle is reported by both The Sun and The Mirror.
Background
The Rochdale grooming gang was a criminal group in Greater Manchester that targeted children and teenagers between 2003 and 2012.