Key facts
- Tony Hall, 62, has lived in the UK for 50 years.
- Hall was facing deportation to Barbados, a country he left at age 12.
- A 2001 conviction for conspiracy to rob and having a firearm with intent was cited by the Home Office.
- Hall spent eight years in prison for the offense.
- Officials attempted to deport Hall in January 2010, but he was returned to London.
- Hall's lawyer stated he endured 17 years of fear, detention, and uncertainty.
The Home Office has revoked a deportation order against a 62-year-old man who has resided in the UK for 50 years. Tony Hall, who arrived in London at age 12 in 1976, was facing removal to Barbados, a country he has not visited since childhood. The Home Office had cited a 2001 conviction for conspiracy to rob and possession of a firearm with intent, for which Hall served eight years in prison. Officials had been attempting to deport him since his release in 2009, prohibiting him from working, renting, or accessing full benefits and healthcare. Hall argued that he should not continue to be punished for a crime committed 25 years ago. A previous attempt to deport him in January 2010 was unsuccessful as Barbados officials reportedly declined to issue entry papers due to his long absence from the country. His lawyer welcomed the decision but highlighted the "historical injustice" and the 17 years of fear and uncertainty Hall endured.