Qatada refused bail amid fears for Olympics as he fights deportation

Allowing him free on London’s streets would be “exceptionally problematic” during heightened security at the Games, a Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) hearing ruled.

Qatada, who is accused of involvement in several bomb attacks, will remain in a British prison for at least another five months as he launches fresh action against the Government’s bid to deport him to Jordan to face terrorism charges.

Mr Justice Mitting cited “the very high level of demand in resources” highlighted by Home Office barrister Robin Tam QC.

Qatada’s lawyers said they would take his fight against deportation back to Europe if Siac rules against him at a tribunal in October.

The judge said: “This case has gone on for an unconscionable amount of time and must be brought to a conclusion one way or another.”

But Edward Fitzgerald QC, representing Qatada, said the case would need a “significant” amount of time.

Repeated failed attempts by UK governments over the last 10 years to deport the radical cleric have cost nearly £1m in legal fees. No figures have been given for how much Qatada has received in legal aid and some estimates put the cost of keeping him in the UK, either in a high-security jail or under strict conditions in the community, along with the legal costs of the fight to deport him, at more than £3m.

The judge added: “I’m satisfied that managing the risk posed by the appellant outside a Category A prison during that time would be exceptionally problematic. That time occupies almost all of the time between now and the hearing date and I am not prepared to take that risk and it would be wrong for me to do so.”