Star pupil spared deportation a day before admitting sexually assaulting two women
A migrant drug dealer allowed to stay in the UK for being a 'star pupil' at school has admitted sexually assaulting two women—the day after he was granted his appeal. Muhammed Izhan, 22, was spared deportation after winning an appeal on the grounds of mental health against his removal to Pakistan on November 11. But a day later, Izhan pleaded guilty via video link from jail to sexually assaulting two women in a busy Norwich high street in broad daylight in June. He was fined £200 for the offence.
In This Article:
- Izhan's drug dealing conviction and deportation sign-off
- Tribunal rules stay in the UK despite deportation risk
- Judge Luke Bulpitt highlights his 'star pupil' status and mental health diagnoses
- Athletics and school representation
- Background: arrival in Britain and school struggles
- New deportation bid after guilty plea
- Political reaction
Izhan's drug dealing conviction and deportation sign-off
Izhan had been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a 'sophisticated' drugs ring, where he dealt class A and B drugs, and had his deportation signed off in May 2024.
Tribunal rules stay in the UK despite deportation risk
But the immigration tribunal ruled that Izhan could stay in the UK because a deportation to Pakistan would 'have a negative impact on his mental health' and there was a risk that he would use drugs if removed to his home country.
Judge Luke Bulpitt highlights his 'star pupil' status and mental health diagnoses
The Upper Tribunal Judge Luke Bulpitt refused the Home Office's request to deport him, noting that he was a 'star pupil' at school and had mental health diagnoses including ADHD. Judge Bulpitt said: 'There is a high likelihood of significant deterioration in his mental health and engagement in drug-related behaviour that will further have a negative impact on his mental health.'
Athletics and school representation
He added that Izhan represented his school by playing rugby and earned awards for his sporting achievements.
Background: arrival in Britain and school struggles
Izhan had come to the UK aged seven with his mother and brothers in 2010, moving in with his father in East Anglia. While he was also disruptive, having been suspended in 2015 and eventually expelled from the school, the judge had concluded that his ADHD, PTSD and general vulnerability meant he would struggle if he was deported to Pakistan. It was also decided that Izhan had a right to family life in Britain.
New deportation bid after guilty plea
However, now that it has emerged that Izhan pleaded guilty to groping two women, officials said another bid would soon be made to deport the 22-year-old from Cringleford, Norfolk.
Political reaction
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick told the Sun: 'Our system is a sick joke on the British people.\n\nThe only solution is to deport this individual.'
