A Belgian man, William George, has successfully avoided deportation after a High Court ruling, despite his conviction in a gang killing.

At the age of 27, George was sentenced to 12 years for manslaughter following the 2016 murder of Abdul Hafidah in Moss Side, which the Court of Appeal labeled a 'horrifying gang murder'. Previously, in November 2018, then Home Secretary Sajid Javid ordered George's deportation on 'imperative grounds of public security' upon his release.

However, George contested this decision and the Court of Appeal sided with him, criticizing the Home Office for procedural errors and noting their handling of the case was 'unimpressive'.

The judges emphasized, "It is as important for the Secretary of State to observe procedural rules as it is for claimants," and condemned the Home Office for relying on a legal argument previously abandoned in a lower court.

Hafidah, aged 18, was brutally killed by a rival gang after walking into their territory on Westwood Street, Moss Side. Members of the AO gang attacked him, resulting in a series of violent blows and fatal stab wounds, while witnesses looked on in horror. He died two days later on May 14, having armed himself earlier with a knife amid suspicions of previous attacks.

Although George was not armed and did not participate in the final assault, he was described as a 'scout' who played a crucial role in the pursuit by blocking Hafidah's escape route. At the time of sentencing, George was 21 and lived on Cowesby Street, Moss Side, and he was subsequently found guilty of manslaughter.

The trial revealed only 'limited evidence' of George's gang affiliation. In total, those involved received a cumulative sentence of 168 years, with seven men convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Appeal Court upheld the prior ruling that George did not pose a 'sufficiently serious risk to public security' to warrant deportation, stating that while his actions were serious, they have been addressed by his prison sentence.

The judges concluded, "The question is whether he should be deported to Belgium, where he has not lived since the age of eight," and affirmed that he does not pose a serious risk to public safety.

A Home Office spokesperson commented to MailOnline, "We are committed to delivering justice for victims and safer streets for our communities. Foreign nationals who commit crime should be in no doubt that the law will be enforced and, where appropriate, we will pursue their deportation."