CAMPAIGNERS are desperately trying to stop the deportation of an autistic Dudley man to Jamaica - which he has not visited since he left at the age of four.

Osime Brown has been issued with a removal notice having been imprisoned since 2018 for criminal offences he committed as a teenager relating to the theft of a mobile phone - which his mother Joan Martin has branded a miscarriage of justice.

A huge campaign has been underway to try to prevent his deportation which his anxious mum fears could kill him.

The 21-year-old was due to be released from prison this week and was facing being sent to an immigration centre but he is now expected to return to the family home tomorrow (Wednesday).

His mum told the BBC the news was bittersweet as she's pleased he is coming home but worried he will still be deported.

She said: "We still have to fight. He knows nothing about Jamaica. He has no connection, no links there. My extended family is in America and Canada."

Osime, who was diagnosed with autism in 2016, was convicted in 2018 at Wolverhampton Crown Court of robbery, attempted robbery and perverting the course of justice and he was sentenced to five years’ detention in a young offenders institution. 

A deportation order was issued as the UK Borders Act states this must be made in respect of a foreign criminal sentenced to 12 months or more in prison.

No date for deportation has yet been set but campaigners continue to seek support for Osime and they are urging people to help by signing and sharing a petition bit.ly/osime-b, joining in a TwitterStorm tonight (Tuesday October 6) from 6pm to 8pm #FreeOsimeBrown #StopTheDeportation, and writing to Dudley North MP Marco Longhi about the case.

Calls have also been made for a public inquiry to be held.

A spokesman for Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said the MP was aware of the case and he "has worked very closely with the family to help find a resolution".

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "We only ever return those who we and, where applicable, the courts are satisfied do not need our protection and have no legal basis to remain in the UK.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.”