Good Grief !

I can't see this judge - one James Simpson, a man of undoubted perspicacity and genius - lasting long. This sort of thing could turn our entire justice system upside down.

Mr Mohamed fled persecution in Somalia with his mother and father when he was four and claims to know nothing about the country today.

Since arriving in Britain, he has tried to build a life in north London but took up petty offending to support his drug and alcohol addictions. Mr Mohamed came into contact with law enforcement when he was 12 and later began committing burglaries to buy cannabis and cocaine. His most recent conviction was for an assault on a prison officer, after which the Home Office applied to have him deported to Somalia.

Dismissing his appeal, the immigration tribunal judge said: "His experience [criminal activity] will make him more street wise than someone of a similar age who has led a crime-free and more conventional life. These experiences will place him at a distinct advantage in dealing with the circumstances in Somalia and should make it much easier for him to avoid pitfalls."

There can be little doubt that his presence here is not conducive to the public good. But given that we've handed residence to Afghan hijackers and Iranian Embassy hostage-takers, it's remarkable to find a judge who has, to paraphrase this chap, grown a pair.