Man threatened with deportation saved with help of immigration experts

Denzel Darku, who lives in Paisley, and carried the Queen’s baton before the 2014 Commonwealth Games said having the threat lifted is “a dream”.

Mr Darku, who was forced to give up his studies at university because of the visa problem, told BBC Scotland: “I’m still in shock, I still don’t know how to react because it’s been a long time coming.

“For over two years I’ve been in limbo so I am pleased and happy that at least I can now move on with my life and go back to uni and get back to my studies.

“It gives me a chance to still be in a place where I now call home.”

He added: “I can now finish my uni course and work for the NHS because I have always been an enthusiastic person when it comes to caring for people.

“That’s all I’ve wanted to do and for me to stop doing that has been hard going.

“Now I can get my life back and hopefully go on to do greater things.”

Jamie Kerr – partner at Thorntons Solicitors, which represented Mr Darku – told Scottish Legal News: “Denzel’s case has taken a number of years to win and the process of submitting complex applications has required very detailed and specialist immigration support. Thorntons has been able to provide that and we are extremely pleased with the outcome.

“We have been heartened by the support that we have been offered by politicians and civic Scotland more broadly. In this case, like in many others, a solid legal strategy has been key to success.

“The broader point does, however, remain that whilst Denzel’s case has caught the public imagination, there remain hundreds of other cases which haven’t been in the public spotlight and it’s key that we have an immigration system which also treats them fairly and with compassion.”