A 27-year-old Iranian man who arrived in the UK via a small boat has been jailed for the fifth time within two years after repeatedly committing criminal damage offences linked to asylum accommodation sites and a police station in Norwich.
Farhad Hosnavi, who has been described in court as having no fixed address, was sentenced again after admitting the latest incident, extending a cycle of offending that authorities say has already caused more than £10,000 in damage and repeated disruption to public services.
Pattern of damage linked to asylum hotel stays
Court proceedings heard that Hosnavi repeatedly targeted a former Holiday Inn Express used as asylum accommodation, returning to the site on multiple occasions between early and mid-2024.
His first known offence followed his removal from the hotel in January 2024 after he was reportedly found in possession of a knife.
He later returned and caused damage to the building, leading to a short custodial sentence.
Not long after being released, he went back again and smashed windows at the same site.
The pattern escalated further in December 2024, when he broke 14 windows with rocks shortly after being released from custody, shouting abuse at police during the incident.
Escalation despite prior jail terms and warnings
By May 2025, the repeated incidents had already resulted in a 12-month prison sentence after magistrates heard staff fears and significant property damage estimated at around £5,000.
During sentencing at the time, a district judge indicated that the case would likely trigger deportation procedures, though final authority rested with the Home Office.
The court also heard that while there were legal and human rights considerations affecting removal, Hosnavi had previously expressed a desire to return to Germany, where he once held legal status.
Despite those remarks, he was not deported after serving his sentence, and further offending followed.
Police station attacks shortly after release
After his release in May 2026, Hosnavi was back in custody again following two separate incidents at Bethel Street police station in Norwich.
On 28 April, he damaged the automatic entrance doors, resulting in an eight-week sentence.
He was released on 26 May, but returned just days later and again targeted the same police station doors, causing further damage estimated at £5,000 in total across both incidents.
Court officials noted that one of the latest offences occurred while he was on licence, adding to concerns over repeated breaches of release conditions.
Court hears claims of homelessness and intent to return to custody
During the most recent hearing at Norwich Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Sarah Fiddy outlined the aggravating factors, including Hosnavi’s repeated offending history and the fact that he was still under supervision from previous sentences.
Defence lawyer Julie Adams told the court her client’s actions were driven by frustration over homelessness and lack of accommodation, adding that he had no intention of harming individuals.
She also stated that Hosnavi had expressed a desire to be returned to custody, saying he no longer had stable accommodation and wanted to go back to prison.
Magistrates impose immediate jail term over public safety concerns
Despite expectations that any sentence might be suspended, magistrates opted for immediate custody, sentencing Hosnavi to eight weeks in prison.
The court said he was considered a risk to the public due to the repeated nature of his offending and the escalating pattern of damage to public and asylum-related facilities.
The decision marked another entry in what has become a revolving cycle of short prison terms followed by fresh offences shortly after release.
Home Office confirms deportation action under way
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that Hosnavi remains subject to deportation proceedings, adding that foreign national offenders are being removed from the UK in increasing numbers.
Officials said deportations have risen significantly in recent years, and that individuals who cannot be immediately removed may be placed under strict conditions such as electronic tagging.
They also warned that breaches of such conditions can result in a return to custody, as seen in cases like Hosnavi’s ongoing legal situation.
