AN illegal migrant convicted of child sex offences can appeal to stay in the UK — despite his claim of becoming a Christian being rejected.
The Iranian paedo, 45, named only as MM, who entered Britain illegally in 2010, had been jailed for five years over two attacks on minors.
He delayed deportation after his 2018 release by saying he had become interested in Christianity.
He said he was baptised in 2020 and had a cross tattoo on his body.
A tribunal dismissed his claim in 2021.
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But a ruling last month said it can be heard again.
MM may be allowed to stay in the UK if a fresh hearing accepts his conversion was genuine.
David Spencer, of the Centre for Crime Prevention, said using religion on claims is a “gaping loophole”.
The Home Office did not comment.