A criminal from Slovakia, who was incarcerated for 15 months following his involvement in a violent altercation, has been granted the right to remain in the UK after a tribunal determined that he had shown signs of rehabilitation. The incident, which occurred in a car park after a community event in Stoke-on-Trent, involved a mass brawl between two groups of Slovakian nationals, during which weapons such as shovels, bats, and metal bars were used, resulting in multiple injuries.

The 22-year-old was convicted after striking a woman with a shovel during the chaos, described by the presiding judge as a “large-scale incident of serious public disorder.” According to reports from the Daily Telegraph, the Home Office had sought to deport him on the grounds that he posed a “serious threat to the public,” citing his past criminal record that included three prior convictions for threats, abuse, and driving while disqualified.

However, upper immigration tribunal judge Christopher John Hanson ruled against the deportation, stating that the Slovakian’s “rehabilitation appears to have been very successful as evidenced by the lack of further offending.” Judge Hanson highlighted the challenges of deportation due to the fact that the offence occurred before Brexit, complicating the legal situation surrounding EU nationals.

The individual, who has been granted anonymity, is reported to have a history of violent behaviour, particularly when under the influence of alcohol. Evidence presented to the court indicated that he had allegedly supplied weapons used in the brawl from his van. Additionally, his brothers are also facing potential deportation.

Despite his prior convictions and the serious nature of the brawl, a probation report submitted to the tribunal detailed that he had successfully completed anger, violence, and alcohol management courses. Furthermore, he had remained out of trouble for two years and complied fully with the conditions of his licence post-release.

The decision has drawn criticism from political figures, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Phelps, who expressed his disapproval in statements to the Telegraph, advocating for the deportation of violent foreign criminals. Phelps contended that “protecting the British public is more important than the supposed rights of the criminal,” warning that reformative measures should not shield individuals from consequences if they reoffend.

In response to the situation, a spokesman for the Home Office stated, “Foreign nationals who commit crime should be in no doubt that we will do everything to make sure they are not free on Britain’s streets, including removal from the UK at the earliest possible opportunity.” The official stressed the department’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that foreign criminals face deportation, emphasising the importance of public safety.

Source: Noah Wire Services