The Home Secretary is set to introduce legal reforms that will facilitate the deportation of the former leader of a Rochdale grooming gang, according to reports. Shabana Mahmood intends to detail changes to the 1971 Immigration Act on Monday, effectively removing a barrier that has prevented the expulsion of Shabir Ahmed from the United Kingdom.
Ahmed, 73, received a 22-year prison sentence in 2012 for multiple sexual offenses involving children, including rape. Although he was released on licence recently, he remained in the country due to specific provisions in the 1971 Act regarding Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK prior to 1973. Despite having his British citizenship revoked following his conviction, these historical rules hindered his removal to Pakistan.
The criminal, who was known as “Daddy” by his young victims, is currently residing in supervised housing while wearing a GPS tracking device. His release has caused significant distress among those he victimized. Government officials confirmed that any violation of his strict release conditions will result in his immediate return to custody.
