The Home Office was criticised today by a London j

The Home Office was criticised today by a London judge
for doing ‘absolutely nothing’ in two and a half years about
a refugee’s status.

Judge Owen Stable, QC, said the delay may have contributed
to Ugandan Stephen Ekwe’s criminal behaviour from depression over
waiting in limbo.

Ekwe admitted assaulting neighbour Colin Campbell causing him
bodily harm at his flat in Sixth Avenue, Manor Park, East London.

He also admitted criminal damage.

Ekwe, 23, now of Palmerston Road, Forest Gate, denied
a further charge of aggravated burglary, which was allowed to
remain on the file.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how on February 17 this year
maintenance engineer Mr Campbell, 25, had his door kicked in by
Ekwe who threw a tin of paint around and then hit him in the face and
body with a three foot metal pole.

Ekwe screamed abuse and made an unfounded allegation that his
victim was responsible for a recent murder.

The attack continued as Mr Campbell fled outside and ended when
he managed to get a neighbour to call for police.

He suffered a split eye and needed three stitches to a cut above
his right eyebrow.

Judge Stable jailed Ekwe for 12 months, saying: ‘You could have
poked out his eye.

‘
But the judge added: ‘You arrived in this country in February
1990 from Uganda claiming to be a refugee and asking for a work permit.

‘The Home Office by its lamentable failure to decide whether you
could have refugee status or a work permit may have contributed to
your criminal behaviour in this country.

‘It is high time the Home Office made a decision as to
whether you should be sent back to Uganda or allowed to live a
civilised life in this country.

‘As far as I can ascertain they have done absolutely nothing.

‘
As a result Ekwe’s had to rely on income support.

He had suffered from depression and turned to drink from
being away from his family.

Because of the damage he had done ‘to person and property’
the judge made a recommendation for his deportation, but said
it would be up to the Home Office to decide the matter.

ENDS
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