A paedophile who sexually assaulted three young family members, including his stepdaughter, has been allowed to remain in Scotland after claiming deportation would breach his right to family life.
The man in his 50s, originally from central Africa, was set to be automatically deported following his conviction for sex attacks on the girls.
Despite a judge ruling he "continues to pose a risk," his removal from the UK was blocked under European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) provisions protecting family life.
The offender, identified only as "MD" in official documents, arrived in the UK in 2008 and initially had his asylum claim rejected.
A paedophile who sexually assaulted three young family members, including his stepdaughter, has been allowed to remain in Scotland after claiming deportation would breach his right to family life (stock image)
GettyUsing publicly funded legal aid, he challenged the decision in court to remain in the country.
He subsequently married a British woman and had three children, also becoming stepfather to his wife's daughter from a previous relationship.
In July 2014, a judge granted him leave to remain after accepting he had established a settled family life in the UK.
In December 2020, MD was convicted at Glasgow High Court of assault, sexual penetration and sexual assault on three young girls in his family.
The victims included his nine-year-old stepdaughter and two of her cousins.
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The judge handed down a three-year prison sentence, describing it as a "particularly serious and appalling crime."
During sentencing, the judge stated: "Not only was it sexually motivated for your own gratification, but also the offences were committed on victims in whom you had instilled trust."
In August 2022, the Home Secretary ordered MD's deportation under rules requiring automatic removal of foreign nationals who commit serious crimes.
However, MD appealed the order, claiming it would be "unduly harsh" for his biological children.
While a judge found MD had no legitimate claim to refugee status, deportation was blocked due to ECHR family life rights and potential negative impact on his children's wellbeing.
In December 2020, MD was convicted at Glasgow High Court of assault, sexual penetration and sexual assault on three young girls in his family (stock image)
PA
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr told the Sunday Post: "The public will be appalled that this dangerous criminal can remain in Scotland."
"Common sense should mean that public safety is always prioritised rather than offenders," Kerr added.
MD is now living freely in Glasgow and is permitted to see his biological children.
The Home Office said it is challenging the ruling.
