Asylum Seeker Imprisoned for Repeated Offences, Seeks Deportation
An asylum seeker has been incarcerated for the fifth time within a two-year period for criminal damage, a pattern of offenses that continues despite previous judicial warnings of deportation. The individual, identified as 27-year-old Iranian national Farhad Hosnavi, arrived in the United Kingdom via irregular means, reportedly by small boat.
Hosnavi’s criminal activity has targeted both an asylum accommodation hotel on three separate occasions and a police station twice. Notably, one of these incidents occurred mere hours after his release from a previous custodial sentence.
Desire for Custody Amidst Homelessness
The situation has become increasingly complex as Hosnavi has reportedly expressed a strong desire to be returned to Germany, where he previously held settled status. His legal representative stated that the repeated offenses are a consequence of his lack of accommodation, leading him to seek imprisonment as a means of securing shelter.
The cumulative damage caused by these acts is estimated to exceed £10,000, not accounting for the significant costs associated with court proceedings and imprisonment.
Judicial Response and Recurring Offenses
During his most recent court appearance in Norwich, magistrates opted to impose an eight-week jail sentence, overriding the usual presumption of a suspended sentence. This decision was based on the assessment that Hosnavi posed a ‘danger to the public’.
The cycle of offenses began in January of the current year when Hosnavi was removed from a hotel being used for asylum accommodation after being found in possession of a knife. He returned to the same establishment in April, causing property damage that resulted in a short prison term.
A month after his release from that sentence, he again targeted the hotel, smashing windows. On December 3, the same day he was released from a 16-week sentence for a previous offense, he reportedly used rocks to break 14 windows at the hotel, shouting expletives directed at the police.
Previous Conviction and Deportation Prospects
In May of the preceding year, Hosnavi received a 12-month prison sentence. At that time, the court heard that he had caused approximately £5,000 in damage, and hotel staff had reported feeling unsafe due to the recurring incidents.
District Judge Andrew Shaw informed Hosnavi that this sentence was expected to initiate deportation proceedings, although he acknowledged that the final decision rested with the Home Office. The judge also noted that while there were potential political and human rights considerations preventing deportation to certain nations, Hosnavi had indicated a wish to return to Germany.
However, Hosnavi was not deported upon completing his sentence. On April 28 of this year, he proceeded to Bethel Street police station, where he damaged the automatic main entrance doors. This resulted in an eight-week sentence, and he was released on May 26. Just four days later, he returned to the same police station and again damaged the doors, causing an estimated £5,000 in damage across the two incidents.
Admission and Sentencing
Hosnavi pleaded guilty to the latest criminal damage charge. The prosecution highlighted aggravating factors, including the offense being committed while on license and the established history of similar incidents.
His defense counsel stated that Hosnavi is experiencing frustration due to a lack of accommodation and his homeless status, emphasizing that he has no intention of harming anyone and simply wishes to return to prison. It was also confirmed that his asylum application is still under review by the Home Office.
