Violent criminal bailed by immigration judge

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A violent criminal who British authorities tried to deport to Iraq has gone on the run after being granted bail by an immigration judge, it was revealed today.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) "strongly opposed" bail being given to Kawa ali Azad, 34, who his ex-partner has said has threatened to kill her.

Azad, an Iraqi Kurd, breached the bail terms of his release by failing to appear at a police station to have an electronic tag fitted and then breached a restraining order by threatening his ex-partner, the Daily Mail reported.

Tania Doherty and their son are now living in fear and have been given a new identity as Azad remains on the run more than five months after being bailed from Colnbrook immigration removal centre near Heathrow.

Miss Doherty, whose new identity cannot be revealed, told the Mail: "I just cannot believe he was released. I am disgusted. Human rights are a joke as far as I'm concerned."

She told how Azad was jailed for attacking her on Eastbourne beach in East Sussex after she ended their relationship.

After he was freed from prison, the UKBA tried to deport Azad but the Iraqi authorities refused to accept him.

He was sent back to Colnbrook before being later bailed in March this year against the advice of the UKBA.

In a statement, the UKBA said today: "The UK Border Agency removed Mr Azad in October 2009 after he was convicted of dangerous driving and violence, but the Iraqi authorities refused to accept him.

"Since then we have revised our arrangements for return to Iraq, which have enabled us to remove Iraqi citizens with no right to stay in the UK, to Baghdad.

"Following his return to the UK, Mr Azad was released on bail by an immigration judge.

"This was strongly opposed by the UK Border Agency.

"He has since absconded and we have shared his details with the police.

"We are committed to returning those with no right to be here, and will continue to return those whom both the agency and the courts are satisfied do not need our protection and refuse to leave voluntarily."

Sussex Police confirmed they were looking to arrest Azad on suspicion of breaching a restraining order issued at Hove Crown Court under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

A spokesman said: "Information suggesting that he had breached the order was received in March this year.

"His details have been circulated and inquiries have been made in order to try to find him."