Calls for deportation of Shabir Ahmed - what legal hurdles may apply?

A report by the BBC (2 July 2026) tells us that - 'The ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang that targeted girls as young as 12 has been released from prison.

Shabir Ahmed, 73, who was known as 'Daddy' by his victims, was jailed for 22 years in August 2012 for a raft of child sexual offences including rape.

This week his victims were told he would be released on licence and despite earlier promises, could not be deported due to a 55-year-old law.

But Sir Keir Starmer has now asked the home secretary to review the case amid calls for the law to be changed to allow him to removed from the country.'

Rochdale grooming gang leader released from prison - BBC News

All right-thinking people

The King and X Y Z (References under section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988) [2026] EWCA Crim (845)

A Previous post looked at the the sentencing of young offenders for very serious offences -  Law and Lawyers: Youth Justice and sentencing for very serious offences. 

The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) has given judgment in X, Y and Z - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary [2026] EWCA Crim (845) - Lady Carr LCJ, Edis LJ, Norton J. 

The case concerned three offenders, X, Y and Z who were convicted (after a 29 day trial in the Crown Court) of rape and other sexual offending committed at Fordingbridge, Hampshire against two separate complainants, C1 and C2 on two separate occasions. 

The first incident was on 26 November 2024 (involving all three offenders) and the second incident on 17 January 2025 (involving X and Y only).

Each

Recent announcements: Murder sentencing, Law Commission, Asylum

1) Sentencing for murder: 

The Secretary of State for Justice (David Lammy MP) has announced his intention to alter sentencing for murder ….

Justice for victims as domestic killers to face longer behind bars - GOV.UK

‘Heinous offenders who kill their partner, or ex, could face an additional 10 years in prison, under a change announced today by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Grooming Gangs - The Statutory Inquiry and notes about some other work

The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs was set up in June 2025 and the Chair (Baroness Anne Longfield) and two panel members (Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly) were appointed in December 2025.

About the Inquiry – The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs - GOV.UK (9 December 2025)

10 years since the Brexit Referendum

Ten years ago today the UK held a referendum at which the voter had the choice to say Leave (the EU) or remain. The ballot paper did not set out the form that Brexit might take and the type of Brexit was hardly mentioned in the campaign preceding the referendum.

Obiter J - who then authored this blog - was personally opposed to Brexit because he thought that it severely limited life opportunities for the young. In his extensive "blogging" on the topic, he avoided seeking to persuade anyone either way. His choice was to present factual information, look at the twists and turns of the campaign, and comment on the notable legal cases that arose along the way.

ObiterJ's numerous posts about Brexit remain on this blog - please see

Law and Lawyers: Brexit Library - Key materials

As we know, the referendum result was close (overall 52% to 48%) with Scotland and Northern Ireland - two key parts of the UK - voting Remain. 

Rajiv Menon KC - in the matter of potential contempt proceedings

Updated 1 July 2026

On 22 June, Mr Justice Johnson decided that a different High Court judge should determine whether contempt proceedings should be instigated against Rajiv Menon - see Re Rajiv Menon KC. 

The background to this matter is set out in an earlier post - Law and Lawyers: In the matter of contempt proceedings against Rajiv Menon KC - Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2026] EWCA Civ 573

Garden Court Statement: Rajiv Menon KC | Garden Court Chambers

Law and Lawyers: R v Charlotte Head and others / Criminal Damage at Elbit's Bristol premises in 2024

Update 1 July 2026:

In the matter of contempt proceedings against Rajiv Menon KC - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Communications Act 2003 section 127

Doughty Street Chambers have published - Brighton woman acquitted on charge of persistent emails to cause annoyance to Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and local MP about Israel’s conduct in Gaza |

The article states - 'A Brighton woman, CK, was charged with a single offence under s. 127(2)(c) and (3) of the Communications Act 2003, for emails she sent on 10 and 11 June 2025 to senior politicians. The charge concerned emails sent by CK to the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and her local MP Peter Kyle MP, expressing concerns about the conflict in Gaza.'