Judge Blasts Home Office Over 'Unacceptable' Detention of Acquitted Man at Teesside Crown Court

A senior judge delivered a scathing rebuke to the Home Office after a Pakistani national who was acquitted of all charges remained unlawfully detained at HMP Holme House for nearly a month.

By Court Reporter · 2026-07-29

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MIDDLESBROUGH — In an extraordinary hearing at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, a senior judge delivered a scathing rebuke to the Home Office and HMPS over the unlawful, continued detention of a Pakistani national who had been acquitted weeks prior.

His Honour Judge A Sutcliffe KC summoned prosecutors, defense counsel, and representatives from the Home Office to an emergency hearing to demand immediate answers as to why Mr. Shah Fahad remained at HMP Holme House, despite being cleared of all charges on 3 July 2026.

"Unacceptable Hardship"

During the proceedings, Judge A Sutcliffe KC expressed deep frustration over the administrative delays that led to Mr. Fahad being held in HMP Holme House for nearly a month after his acquittal. Ordering his immediate release from custody, the judge made it clear that Mr. Fahad must remain free while any outstanding immigration matters are processed.

Addressing the court, Judge A Sutcliffe KC reiterated the rationale behind the original decision: "The court released him because of his good character, no previous convictions, and an obvious lack of criminal intent, which was clearly reflected in the chat evidence presented to this court."

Speaking from the dock, Mr. Fahad shared the severe strain the extended detention had caused him, describing the period as a profound hardship.

Judge A Sutcliffe KC acknowledged the distress caused by the prolonged custody, responding directly to Mr. Fahad: "I understand your position, and it is precisely for that reason that I convened this court today to rectify the situation."

Home Office Called to Account

The hearing highlighted growing judicial frustration over communication breakdowns between the criminal justice system, His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), and immigration enforcement officials.

By demanding the attendance of representatives from all three agencies, the court sought to ensure that administrative compliance failures do not lead to arbitrary detention following court discharge orders.

Following the judge's explicit order, Mr. Fahad was processed for immediate release from HMP Holme House. The Home Office has been instructed to handle any further immigration assessments without remanding him into custody.