Ministers are under pressure to overhaul human rights laws amid fears of abuse (Image: Getty)
Fury has erupted after a Romanian rapist who hid his convictions used human rights laws to avoid being deported. The sex offender claimed he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and used Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to challenge plans to send him back to Romania.
The High Court heard he arrived in Britain in December 2018 after serving almost seven years in jail in Romania for rape. The man, known only as ZA, applied for settled status on the basis he had a partner here but did not tell the authorities of his previous convictions.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Sponsored
Promoted Links Promoted Links
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Huge crackdown as dangerous migrants will be 'tagged like terrorists'
147 Comments
Jamaican jailed over UK shooting dodges deportation
38 Comments
Kyle Clifford to become Britain's most expensive prisoner costing "millions and millions"
3 Comments
Albanian cop killer free to roam Britain's streets in yet another human rights scandal
Comments
Putin's threat to Ukrainian POWs a clear breach of rules of war, says human rights expert
50 Comments
Albanian criminal allowed to stay in UK as judges say daughter 'needs male role model'
76 Comments
Watch - CCTV captures overseas computer geek fleeing after raping two women
43 Comments
Coward Kyle Clifford refuses to attend sentencing
8 Comments
Fear explained and the real reason Jan Boyd made false accusations
Comments
Cowardly Kyle Clifford's failure to attend court sentencing would be "final insult"
6 Comments
Iraqi drug dealer jailed for 5 years cannot be deported as he's ‘too Westernised'
64 Comments
Emmerdale withdraws from BAFTAs in huge blow after scriptwriter convicted
Comments
'Dissapointing' new pub rule coming into force from April 1
4 Comments
Rupert Lowe is completely missing the point on Nigel Farage in Reform spat
8 Comments
Breakthrough: Topical Roll-On for Chronic Joint PainMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers face immigration crackdown with review of ECHR
Comments
Criminal deported from UK 12 years ago wins right to return because he's 'depressed'
414 Comments
Cardiologists: Want To Stay Slim at 58? Do This Turmeric Trick Every Morning!Health & Lifestyle Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Labour legend Jack Straw is first to call on Keir Starmer to back away from ECHR
504 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
77 Comments
Discovered: It's a Topical Gel for Arthriti sMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer, consider yourself on notice for failing this very basic task
52 Comments
'Drag killers into dock to face sentence', judges urged
10 Comments
Topical Roll-On Stick: Chronic Pain's New EnemyMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Huge crackdown as dangerous migrants will be 'tagged like terrorists'
147 Comments
Jamaican jailed over UK shooting dodges deportation
38 Comments
Nerve Pain Reliever Discovered in Natural SerumMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kyle Clifford to become Britain's most expensive prisoner costing "millions and millions"
3 Comments
Albanian cop killer free to roam Britain's streets in yet another human rights scandal
Comments
Topical Roll-On Stick: Chronic Pain's New EnemyMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Putin's threat to Ukrainian POWs a clear breach of rules of war, says human rights expert
50 Comments
Albanian criminal allowed to stay in UK as judges say daughter 'needs male role model'
76 Comments
Topical Roll-On Stick: Chronic Pain's New EnemyMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Watch - CCTV captures overseas computer geek fleeing after raping two women
43 Comments
Coward Kyle Clifford refuses to attend sentencing
8 Comments
Breakthrough: Topical Roll-On for Chronic Joint PainMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Fear explained and the real reason Jan Boyd made false accusations
Comments
Cowardly Kyle Clifford's failure to attend court sentencing would be "final insult"
6 Comments
Breakthrough: Topical Roll-On for Chronic Joint PainMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Iraqi drug dealer jailed for 5 years cannot be deported as he's ‘too Westernised'
64 Comments
Emmerdale withdraws from BAFTAs in huge blow after scriptwriter convicted
Comments
The Worst Thing You Could Do For Your Nail Fungus (And What Actually Helps)Okita Nail Fungus Light Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Dissapointing' new pub rule coming into force from April 1
4 Comments
Rupert Lowe is completely missing the point on Nigel Farage in Reform spat
8 Comments
Foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers face immigration crackdown with review of ECHR
Comments
Criminal deported from UK 12 years ago wins right to return because he's 'depressed'
414 Comments
Labour legend Jack Straw is first to call on Keir Starmer to back away from ECHR
504 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
77 Comments
Keir Starmer, consider yourself on notice for failing this very basic task
52 Comments
'Drag killers into dock to face sentence', judges urged
10 Comments
Huge crackdown as dangerous migrants will be 'tagged like terrorists'
147 Comments
Jamaican jailed over UK shooting dodges deportation
38 Comments
Kyle Clifford to become Britain's most expensive prisoner costing "millions and millions"
3 Comments
Albanian cop killer free to roam Britain's streets in yet another human rights scandal
Comments
Putin's threat to Ukrainian POWs a clear breach of rules of war, says human rights expert
50 Comments
Albanian criminal allowed to stay in UK as judges say daughter 'needs male role model'
76 Comments
Watch - CCTV captures overseas computer geek fleeing after raping two women
43 Comments
Yvette Cooper is under pressure to overhaul human rights laws (Image: Getty)
The migrant, who was granted anonymity, said he was attacked and raped in prison and that the “physical or mental condition ... is such that it would be unjust or oppressive” to extradite him.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: “This is yet another bonkers example of where the ECHR has stifled the UK’s ability to protect its own people.
“Reform has been clear that we will deport all foreign criminals.
Sponsored
Sherum Learn More
2025's Most Realistic Bunny Toy
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
“We must leave the ECHR and take control of our borders once and for all.”
Former immigration minister Kevin Foster told the Daily Express: “Another day, another dangerous criminal citing human rights to avoid being deported, with the courts more concerned about protecting him than potential victims.
“Romania is an EU member and a democracy. It’s time to stop the nonsense in our courts, end the ability to make ridiculous claims under the ECHR and get criminals like this on a plane."
When ZA visited Bucharest in 2021, he committed a driving offence before returning to the UK.
A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Romanian courts and he faced serving an extra two years in jail for the new offence.
He was arrested by the Metropolitan Police five months later.
He then faced an extradition hearing in London where a judge ruled it was in the public interest to deport him.
He was no longer with his partner and had children in Romania.
But a judge ruled he should not be deported after hearing he was attacked in prison.
The High Court heard that he was raped, burnt with hot metal, stabbed with pieces of metal, bitten by another prisoner and punched, causing a broken nose and two lost teeth.
A doctor who assessed him for PTSD said ZA would need “considerable medical knowledge to fabricate the symptoms of PTSD”.
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He said: "Returning him to a Romanian prison is likely to significantly aggravate symptoms of PTSD given that it would mean returning him to an environment where he experienced the trauma that caused symptoms of PTSD to develop.
"I think there is a possibility that he will become overwhelmed with distress and thoughts of suicide, leading to a significant risk that he will attempt to end his life."
It was deemed “likely impossible” that the treatment given in a Romanian prison would alleviate his anxiety.
In allowing ZA’s appeal, Mr Justice Martin Chamberlain concluded: “The reports presented make a decisive difference to the outcome of the case.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Huge crackdown as dangerous migrants will be 'tagged like terrorists'
147 Comments
Jamaican jailed over UK shooting dodges deportation
38 Comments
Kyle Clifford to become Britain's most expensive prisoner costing "millions and millions"
3 Comments
Albanian cop killer free to roam Britain's streets in yet another human rights scandal
Comments
Putin's threat to Ukrainian POWs a clear breach of rules of war, says human rights expert
50 Comments
Albanian criminal allowed to stay in UK as judges say daughter 'needs male role model'
76 Comments
Watch - CCTV captures overseas computer geek fleeing after raping two women
43 Comments
Coward Kyle Clifford refuses to attend sentencing
8 Comments
Fear explained and the real reason Jan Boyd made false accusations
Comments
Cowardly Kyle Clifford's failure to attend court sentencing would be "final insult"
6 Comments
Iraqi drug dealer jailed for 5 years cannot be deported as he's ‘too Westernised'
64 Comments
Emmerdale withdraws from BAFTAs in huge blow after scriptwriter convicted
Comments
'Dissapointing' new pub rule coming into force from April 1
4 Comments
Rupert Lowe is completely missing the point on Nigel Farage in Reform spat
8 Comments
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers face immigration crackdown with review of ECHR
Comments
Criminal deported from UK 12 years ago wins right to return because he's 'depressed'
414 Comments
The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025.GovPlus Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Labour legend Jack Straw is first to call on Keir Starmer to back away from ECHR
504 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
77 Comments
The Worst Thing You Could Do For Your Nail Fungus (And What Actually Helps)Okita Nail Fungus Light Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer, consider yourself on notice for failing this very basic task
52 Comments
'Drag killers into dock to face sentence', judges urged
10 Comments
Here’s How Much A 1-Day Walk In Shower Costs In Las VegasSmart Lifestyle Trends Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Huge crackdown as dangerous migrants will be 'tagged like terrorists'
147 Comments
Jamaican jailed over UK shooting dodges deportation
38 Comments
Search For Low Mileage SUVs For SaleYahoo Search | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kyle Clifford to become Britain's most expensive prisoner costing "millions and millions"
3 Comments
Albanian cop killer free to roam Britain's streets in yet another human rights scandal
Comments
Why CVS Is Nervous: This 87￠ ED Deal Is Taking Overfridayplans Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Putin's threat to Ukrainian POWs a clear breach of rules of war, says human rights expert
50 Comments
Albanian criminal allowed to stay in UK as judges say daughter 'needs male role model'
76 Comments
Nevada Seniors Can Save Thousands On Bathroom Remodel Thanks To ThisSmart Lifestyle Trends Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Watch - CCTV captures overseas computer geek fleeing after raping two women
43 Comments
Coward Kyle Clifford refuses to attend sentencing
8 Comments
Experts Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItSenior Skin Solutions Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Fear explained and the real reason Jan Boyd made false accusations
Comments
Cowardly Kyle Clifford's failure to attend court sentencing would be "final insult"
6 Comments
Doctor Discovers: The So-Called "Lazy Way" To Lose WeightYour Healthy News Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Iraqi drug dealer jailed for 5 years cannot be deported as he's ‘too Westernised'
64 Comments
Emmerdale withdraws from BAFTAs in huge blow after scriptwriter convicted
Comments
Topical Roll-On Stick: Chronic Pain's New EnemyMy Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Dissapointing' new pub rule coming into force from April 1
4 Comments
Rupert Lowe is completely missing the point on Nigel Farage in Reform spat
8 Comments
Foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers face immigration crackdown with review of ECHR
Comments
Criminal deported from UK 12 years ago wins right to return because he's 'depressed'
414 Comments
Labour legend Jack Straw is first to call on Keir Starmer to back away from ECHR
504 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
77 Comments
Keir Starmer, consider yourself on notice for failing this very basic task
52 Comments
'Drag killers into dock to face sentence', judges urged
10 Comments
Huge crackdown as dangerous migrants will be 'tagged like terrorists'
147 Comments
Jamaican jailed over UK shooting dodges deportation
38 Comments
Kyle Clifford to become Britain's most expensive prisoner costing "millions and millions"
3 Comments
Albanian cop killer free to roam Britain's streets in yet another human rights scandal
Comments
Putin's threat to Ukrainian POWs a clear breach of rules of war, says human rights expert
50 Comments
Albanian criminal allowed to stay in UK as judges say daughter 'needs male role model'
76 Comments
Watch - CCTV captures overseas computer geek fleeing after raping two women
43 Comments
Breakthrough: Topical Roll-On for Chronic Joint...My Health Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Cardiologists: Want To Stay Slim at 58? Do This...Health & Lifestyle
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Cardiologists: Slim at 35? Do This Turmeric Tric...Health & Lifestyle
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The Secret Revealed: Why All Hummingbirds G...Sherem
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
“I must decide for myself whether extradition would be oppressive and incompatible with Article 8 of the ECHR. To both questions, the answer is yes.
“It would, in my judgement, be oppressive to extradite the appellant to Romania to serve a two-year sentence for driving without a licence.
“In this case, the offence is, on any view, at the lower end of the scale of seriousness, particularly where – as here – the appellant has already served three years and four months under curfew.”