A man who was deported for mugging people at knifepoint could be allowed to return to the UK after an immigration judge ruled that he has had “matured”. Prince Umoh, a 30-year-old Italian citizen, was previously deported and banned from the UK for two serious street robberies in which victims were threatened at knifepoint and left with lasting psychological trauma.

At the time, he was described as the ringleader of a gang that carried out muggings to steal mobile phones. Umoh was deported in June 2015 at age 18, following a ruling that he posed a risk to the public due to his use of violence and weapons during robberies. Despite the ban, he illegally re-entered the UK, was sentenced to a short prison term, and was removed again in November 2016.

Upper Chamber (Image: Google)

Since then, Umoh has lived in Italy and Ireland, claiming to have reformed through education and vocational training. In court, he stated that he now leads a “lawful lifestyle”, is remorseful, and has developed a more responsible outlook.

Last year, a lower immigration tribunal revoked his deportation order. However, the Home Office appealed, arguing that knife-related crimes are particularly serious and cause significant public concern.

At a recent hearing at the Upper Tribunal and Asylum Chamber, Judge Anna-Rose Landes acknowledged the severity of the original offences but said Umoh’s case did not meet the threshold of being “extreme.”

She noted that although the crimes involved knives and caused psychological harm, there were no serious physical injuries and no evidence that the offending was gang-related. Additionally, Umoh had no prior criminal record.

Judge Landes said: “The public recognises that young men can commit very serious crimes for which they should be punished, but can also, with maturity and reflection, rehabilitate and contribute positively to society.”

The deportation order was formally revoked, meaning Umoh is no longer automatically barred from re-entering the UK.

However, he must still apply for and be granted permission by the Home Office to return.

The case has raised questions about how the UK manages the rehabilitation of foreign offenders, particularly those who return illegally after being deported.