Rape-case Somali to be deported

The highest court in the land allowed an appeal by the Home Secretary against a Court of Appeal decision which had effectively blocked the removal of the offender, who can only be referred to as "MA".

The man had entered the UK illegally in May 1995 and was refused asylum but given exceptional leave to remain. Three years later, in July 1998, he was convicted of rape and indecency with a child and jailed for eight years.

In May 2002 he was served with notice of the Government's intention to deport him and began a long legal battle to avoid removal. He has spent the last 12 years in prison, or in detention pending deportation.

The strategic director of the UK Border Agency's criminality and detention group, David Wood, said: "We welcome the Supreme Court's findings.

"Public protection comes first and we will take action to deport any foreign national convicted of a serious crime."