GETTY Abdul Rahman Haroun admitted to walking through the Channel Tunnel

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This particular Sudanese man had his application for asylum approved in December despite the fact that he had been charged with a crime. And in court yesterday he admitted that he had indeed broken the law by walking down the Channel Tunnel to get from Calais to Britain. Undertaking this perilous journey not only put himself in mortal danger but, as the judge described it, “put the lives and safety of others in danger”. It is woefully irresponsible to grant asylum to people with criminal charges hanging over them.

It is even worse to let those who are convicted continue living – and claiming generous benefits – in this country. Yesterday, he walked free from court. So in return for coming to this country illegally he has spent five months in a cell before being released on bail and then been rewarded with leave to remain and taxpayer handouts.

There is nothing caring or compassionate about the way in which Haroun has been treated

Now, rather than thanking his lucky stars, he plans to appeal his conviction for a crime which he admitted. What sort of message does all this send to the tens of thousands of migrants camped on the French coast? There is nothing caring or compassionate about the way in which Haroun has been treated. By encouraging others to follow in his footsteps the decision to grant him asylum was recklessly irresponsible. It imperils not only those who may be enticed into risking their own lives but members of the public who choose to use the Channel Tunnel.

GETTY The judge said that Haroun not only risked his own safety but 'put the lives of others in danger'

REUTERS The Sudanese man is now appealing his conviction