A judge has granted anonymity to a serial burglar who is contesting his fifth deportation order, citing threats from an Albanian crime gang. The individual has been convicted of multiple crimes in the UK and has been deported by the Home Office on several occasions, only to re-enter the country illegally. He is currently appealing the latest deportation order and has applied for asylum, claiming his life could be at risk if he returns to Albania.
During a hearing at the Taylor House Immigration Tribunal Centre in London, the man stated he fled to the UK because it was 'too easy' for his enemies to find him in other parts of Europe. He is in his 30s and has a child in Britain with an estranged partner. He also expressed concerns about his mental health due to previous media coverage of his case.
On the day of the hearing, he shared a video on social media showing himself in a court waiting area, which he identified by name, potentially violating court rules against photography and filming. His representative, Eric Fripp, argued for anonymity based on the asylum claim, which was granted by Judge Ravinder Bagral. The press was not allowed to challenge this order during the hearing, although the Daily Mail has since requested its revocation.
Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society, criticized the anonymity decision, stating that it undermines the principle of open justice. Khdeeja Khan, representing the Home Office, highlighted the man's history of serious crimes, including burglaries committed after each of his previous deportations. In court, the man admitted to the seriousness of his offenses but claimed he returned to the UK out of fear for his safety.
He alleged that he was targeted by an Albanian crime gang that forced him into criminal activities and that he faced threats upon his deportation to Albania. He described a dangerous situation involving a blood feud within his family, but Ms. Khan pointed out the lack of evidence supporting his claims and noted his active social media presence, which raised questions about his fear of the gang. The case has been adjourned pending a ruling from Judge Bagral.