From protest to prison: the migrant who misled a nation

The first attempt to deport him failed because Mayela claimed he was injured in a solitary confinement cell at the migrant centre in Colnbrook near Heathrow Airport.

Subsequently, the man was placed in the Campsfield House centre in Kidlington, where right after his release, journalists photographed him with a sign saying, "Stop arresting. Migrants are not criminals".

However, his behaviour very quickly contradicted these claims. Today, he could be facing a life sentence.

The next deportation of Mayela was to take place in May 2005. However, the flight from Southampton was thwarted by the Air France crew, who aborted it.

A source close to Home Secretary James Cleverly said last night that action by people "with no knowledge" of those for whom "they suddenly decide to intervene . . . can have appalling consequences for others".

The cabin crew intervened after Mayela stated that the deportation guards had broken his arm when they taped his wrists and legs.

Several weeks later, Mayela obtained a residence permit after lawyers stated that deportation would contradict his human rights. At that time, the police were investigating the deportation guards for alleged assault on the man.

Two days later, Mayela participated in a protest for the closure of Campsfield House, where he was being held. The centre was eventually closed in 2018.

Meanwhile, last Friday, Mayela admitted in court to having raped a 15-year-old. Now, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Marco Longhi, a member of the Conservative Party who sits on the Special Committee on Internal Affairs, admitted that this case raises doubts about Mayela's right to stay in the country from the beginning and the entire legal process associated with it.

"My constituents are sure to be furious to discover that he has remained here on what appears to be a flimsy excuse before committing this horrific crime," said the politician in a conversation with "The Sun".