Gang Killer Skates Deportation After Home Office Blunders
A Belgian man convicted of manslaughter in a brutal 2016 gang murder has dodged deportation from the UK — all thanks to a string of Home Office errors.
William George’s Violent Past
William George, 27, who came to the UK aged eight, was jailed for 12 years over the savage murder of 18-year-old Abdul Hafidah. The Manchester-based AO gang member played a key role in the attack by acting as a lookout, delaying Hafidah’s escape and letting others catch up. Hafidah was beaten with a hammer and stabbed repeatedly, including a fatal neck wound.
Home Office Blunders Let Convicted Gangster Off the Hook
Although former Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered George’s deportation in 2018, the Court of Appeal has slammed the Home Office for procedural mishaps and “unimpressive” handling of the case. The court threw out the deportation attempt, saying George’s future threat to public safety must be the deciding factor, not just the seriousness of his crime.
Government Furious But Cautious Over Court Ruling
The Home Office hit back, insisting they remain committed to justice and public safety. A spokesperson said, “Foreign nationals who commit crime should be in no doubt the law will be enforced and, where appropriate, deportation will be pursued.” Meanwhile, other gang members involved in the killing were slapped with a combined 168 years behind bars.
