PLANS to deport a Leeds asylum seeker who is escaping persecution in his country for his sexuality were yesterday dropped by Home Office immigration officials.

Orashia Edwards was due to be deported to Jamaica after being refused asylum.

But following a legal challenge, a judicial review into the refusal is to be heard next week.

Immigration officials had planned to deport him before the review was heard, but have now abandoned this idea.

Mr Edwards fled from Jamaica after being persecuted for being bisexual.

He made his home in Leeds where he has family and has become an active campaigner with the city’s LGBT community.

Emily Jennings of Leeds No Borders said the decision to cancel Mr Edwards’ flight had been taken a week ago but he had not been informed by the Home Office.

“This is yet again an example of how awfully asylum seekers are treated by the Home Office,” she said.