Scientist Branded Britain's Worst Stalker Pleads for Deportation to Iran
A scientist labelled as Britain's most notorious stalker has made a desperate plea to be deported to Iran upon his release from prison, after spending over two decades behind bars for a terrifying campaign against hundreds of victims. Government officials have agreed in principle to remove Richard Jan from the United Kingdom once he completes his sentence, but critical hurdles remain regarding public safety assessments.
Parole Board Concerns Over Public Risk
Documents obtained exclusively reveal that Jan, 56, would only be transferred back to the Middle East after the Parole Board determines he no longer poses a threat to the public. Sir John Saunders, a former High Court Judge and current judicial member of the Parole Board, has urged for constructive progress to facilitate Jan's potential release. In a confidential document, Sir John wrote, "Attempts should be made to make constructive progress in the hope of the ultimate release of [Jan]. This may involve transfer to a secure hospital, if it can be arranged, or if the Government are satisfied with assurances made by the Iranian Government a transfer under the tariff-expired removal scheme (TERS)."
However, the Parole Board has consistently refused to declare that Jan, who resided in Streatham, south-west London, is no longer a danger to society. Authorities express deep concerns that if deported to Iran, local officials might not enforce the stringent restrictions typically imposed under a life licence in the UK, potentially leaving the public at risk.
Seven-Year Campaign of Terror
Richard Jan was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2004 after orchestrating a seven-year reign of terror targeting 200 individuals. His extensive criminal activities included fire-bombing residential properties, smashing windows, slashing tyres, and making at least 4,500 harassing phone calls. Jan specifically targeted health officials, solicitors, and others he falsely believed were part of a "grand coalition" attempting to section him under the Mental Health Act, following reports by his parents to the authorities.
At the time of his conviction, detectives described his actions as the "tip of the iceberg" and unequivocally branded him "Britain's worst stalker." During sentencing, a judge characterised Jan as a "devious, manipulative bully," noting his genius-level IQ of 150 as a biochemist, which he exploited in his calculated harassment campaign.
Nationality Renunciation and Deportation Efforts
Jan held joint British and Iranian nationality until 2011, when he renounced his British citizenship in a deliberate attempt to secure deportation to Iran under the Tariff-Expired Removal Scheme (TERS). This scheme grants the Secretary of State the authority to direct the removal of an indeterminate prisoner whose tariff has expired to their country of nationality, without requiring Parole Board approval. Official documents state, "Jan had joint British and Iranian nationality until 2011 when he renounced his British nationality. His aim in doing so was to try and achieve deportation to Iran under the tariff-expired removal scheme (TERS)."
Currently, a deportation order has been issued, which Jan has not appealed, and Iranian authorities have indicated willingness to accept him for residence. These details emerged as Jan recently appealed a decision to block his prison release, arguing the ruling was irrational. His Hon Saunders dismissed the appeal, ruling that the decision was neither irrational nor procedurally unfair, upholding the need for continued incarceration until safety concerns are adequately addressed.
Jan is known to have spent portions of his imprisonment at HMP Wakefield, alongside some of Britain's most dangerous offenders, further highlighting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing vigilance required by parole authorities.
