Expat criminal deported from Australia after 30 years dies on return to UK

The Australian government has denied any responsibility in the controversial death of Scottish-born Andrew Derek Moore, who died following his forced return to the UK.

43-year-old Moore, a recovering alcoholic with a history of convictions and illnesses, has become the latest victim of Australia’s controversial migration program that seeks to rid the country of undesirables or those who fail to meet character standards.

Moore was sent home to the UK in October after living in Australia for over 30 years, leaving behind him a large extended family including one teenage son. He has been imprisoned for the past decade and his health problems were well known to authorities.

The incident raises serious questions of the right to deport persons with serious illnesses, with Moore having been racked with Hepatitis C, liver and bowel problems. He was sent back to Heathrow Airport with $1000 AUD in cash, a hotel reservation and medication. He died two days later, found lying on a road near Lambeth after checking out of his hotel. Police are still investigating the cause of death.

Moore was no saint, having been convicted for a string of offences including manslaughter after a drunken brawl. He had also become the target of a radio shock-jock who called him a VIP at taxpayers’ expense.

Convicted criminals attract little sympathy from the public but the issue of travel risks for forced deportees may have significant consequences. Several health experts have called for a review of government policy which sees around 70 people removed from Australia each year for character reasons.