Drug Dealer Edwin Taha Jailed for Flouting UK Deportation Ban
Edwin Taha, the drug dealer tied to the tragic death of Yarm man Luke Jobson, has landed back behind bars. The 25-year-old Frenchman ignored a UK deportation order to visit his dying grandmother and register his baby son’s birth certificate. Now, he’s paying the price with jail time once again.
From Gang Violence to Deportation – and a Return
- In 2019, Taha was locked up for drug dealing and affray after the fatal incident involving 22-year-old engineering student Luke Jobson in Yarm.
- Luke was chased by a violent gang described as a “pack of wolves” wielding pepper spray but tragically drowned while fleeing.
- Taha was deported back to France in 2023 following the attack.
Repeat Offender Snared After Illegal UK Comeback
Taha’s brushes with the law didn’t stop after deportation. He was arrested on drug offences in August 2023 but released early due to a paperwork blunder. Not long after, in September 2024, he was caught again for drug crimes – and for breaking the deportation ban.
Newcastle Crown Court Judge Recorder Simon Goldberg KC slammed him with a 28-month sentence for returning illegally, to run consecutively with his previous term. “I am told you will be deported. That is not a matter for this court,” said the judge.
Another Deportation Looms After Quick UK Return
After serving his sentence, Taha was deported again last November. Undeterred, he came back from Paris in January and was swiftly arrested for illegal entry once more. Prosecutor Emily Sanderson confirmed another deportation order is on the cards.
