Anger as sex attacker stays in UK

Gabrielle Brown says her attacker has no right to stay in the UK

A victim of a serial sex attacker is "appalled" that he will not be deported in order to protect his human rights.

An Asylum and Immigration Tribunal upheld a ruling which blocked moves by the Home Office to deport the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Mr Justice Hodge said the 20-year-old should stay in the UK as he came here from Sierra Leone, aged six, and had virtually no family in West Africa.

Victim Gabrielle Browne, 42, said he had no right to stay in the country.

Family life

Ms Browne, who waived her right to anonymity as the victim of a sex attack, said she felt "devastated and let down".

"I am appalled by the decision," she said.

"How is it right that somebody who has offended so seriously against defenceless women is allowed to remain in this country?"

Justice Hodge says the attacker's right to family life must be upheld

Her attacker had admitted indecently assaulting 11 women in the past five years.

He is being allowed to stay in the UK after his release under article eight of the Human Rights Act, which gives a person a right to a family life.

Ms Browne, a mother of two, was training for the London Marathon when she was attacked.

"He was hiding behind a blind corner on the canal path and could see me coming although I could not see him.

"He stepped out and blocked my way then asked me for the time.

"He threw an arm around my throat and dragged me 100 metres."

A Home Office spokesman said: "We believe that foreign nationals who commit serious crimes should be deported.

"We are disappointed that the courts reached this decision on 1 March 2007, and as a result deportation could not proceed in this case."