A foreign extremist who belonged to terror groups responsible for butchering British citizens was allowed to roam near royal homes after crossing the Channel on a small boat.
An Iraqi ISIS operative linked to the murder of British civil engineer Ken Bigley was granted bail in Windsor after illegally entering the UK last December.
Mohammed Yaseen initially supplied authorities with a false name and was placed in taxpayer-funded accommodation in Basingstoke. Biometric checks later revealed his true identity and horrific past.
German court records revealed that Yaseen armed himself with a Kalashnikov assault rifle to guard public executions, including the stoning of a couple accused of adultery. He also acted as security during two mass executions for ISIS and was part of the Al Qaeda faction that executed 62-year-old Liverpool engineer Ken Bigley in Iraq in 2004.
Royal residences within walking distance
Despite his history with violent terror groups, Yaseen was released from prison into a bail hostel in Windsor. Tagged with an electronic monitor, he was subject to a curfew between 6pm and 6am.
No restrictions prevented the former terrorist from roaming near Windsor Great Park, the home of Prince William, Princess Catherine and their children. He was also free to walk past Windsor Castle, one of King Charles’ official residences, and was spotted shopping in a nearby Co-op.
Recall follows hostel breach
Yaseen was hauled back to prison after failing to comply with the good behaviour conditions attached to his stay at the bail hostel. The recall came shortly after officials were alerted to his presence in the town.
He is no longer in Windsor.
A source
Human rights laws block removal
Attempts to remove Yaseen from the country have been stalled by his application to remain in Britain. Foreign Office advice suggested he could face mistreatment if sent back to Iraq, echoing a previous ruling by a judge in Germany who blocked his deportation on similar grounds.
Taxpayers now face significant costs to cover his ongoing legal battle and detention.
Legal aid will fund Yaseen’s effort to avoid deportation. If his case reaches the European Court of Human Rights, expert estimates indicate legal bills could hit £500,000, while the annual cost of housing, feeding and monitoring him in the UK could reach £85,000.
Government defends deportation record
A Government spokesperson said:
Any foreign national who receives a prison sentence in the UK is referred for deportation at the earliest opportunity and will be barred from ever returning. Over 11,000 foreign criminals including murderers and rapists have been returned or deported in the two years since the last election – a 41% increase on the two years prior.
Ministers have altered sentencing rules through the Early Removal Scheme to allow foreign criminals to be deported after serving 30% of their prison terms rather than 50%. The policy aims to protect the public and reduce costs for taxpayers.