Home Office says it will deport asylum seeker jailed five times

The Home Office said it is determined to deport an asylum seeker who has received five jail sentences. Officials first warned the man of deportation proceedings in May 2024. The 27-year-old arrived by small boat from Iran and was housed at a Norwich hotel for asylum seekers. Within two years he caused £10,000 in damage to the hotel and a police station.

Criminal record In April 2024 he received a prison sentence for damaging the hotel after staff found him with a knife. Three months after release he broke hotel windows again and received a 16-week sentence. Released in December 2024, he smashed 14 more windows while shouting at police and was given a 12-month term.

On April 28 he damaged the doors of Bethel Street police station, returned after eight weeks in custody, and pleaded guilty earlier this week. His lawyer told the court the offenses were committed to secure accommodation and that the man requested return to Germany where he holds settled status.

Official response A Home Office spokesman said the man is subject to deportation action and that foreign national offenders will be removed when possible. The spokesman added that deportations of such offenders have risen 32 percent, with more than 8,700 removals since the current government took office.

When immediate removal is not feasible, electronic tagging and conditions are applied, and breach leads to further imprisonment, the spokesman stated. A Public Accounts Committee report released yesterday said control of the asylum system was all but lost and cited patchy communication between departments and local authorities.