THE UK government still hopes to deport the ‘gang leader’ moved to Newport from London, the Home Office said.

This followed Newport West MP Paul Flynn questioning why Joland Giwa, alleged to have headed the Don’t Say Nothin’ gang based in Tottenham, was still living in the city despite an appearance before Newport Magistrates’ Court.

Giwa is now serving a 12-month conditional discharge for possession of a class B drug, cannabis, following an incident in July.

He was also fined £55 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge after he admitted one count of obstructing a constable in execution of duty, which was in relation to the same incident.

We reported Mr Flynn’s criticism of Home Secretary Theresa May earlier this week.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “We firmly believe that foreign nationals who break the law should be deported and the new Immigration Act has improved our ability to do this.

“Joland Giwa remains on immigration bail and we are continuing to fight for his removal from the UK.

“He is subject to rigorous monitoring procedures.”

She added: “Those who come to the UK must abide by our laws. We take all necessary steps to deport people who break our laws.”

Giwa had been in immigration detention for more than four years after completing a 27-month prison term for two robbery convictions when he was relocated to York Place in Newport earlier this year.

He previously told the Argus he meant no harm to Newport, saying: “I never think I’m perfect but I think the way I’ve been targeted is worse than a terrorist.

“I have never killed anyone. I’m not a violent person.

“Nobody is scared of me. I’m not a harm to the public.”