But judge’s guidance indicates authority may have to face responsibility

A judge’s ruling has implied that Islington Council may have to take responsibility for a convicted arsonist and paedophile.

The 24-year-old, who cannot be identified, took Islington Council to the High Court last month claiming that it had violated his human rights by refusing to support him on his �release from prison.

While the man lost his case for a judicial review against the council’s decision, the judge gave guidance which could see Islington having to house and care for him.

He has lived in both Islington and Northamptonshire and the two authorities are locked in a battle over who should take the burden of his “critical and substantial needs”.

The man wants to return to Islington but the council insists the borough is not his “ordinary” place of residence, while Northamptonshire County Council has also eschewed responsibility for him.

He has already served more than the minimum term handed to him in 2007 for offences, including sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl, witness intimidation, arson and burglary. His parole hearing cannot take place until the dispute is resolved.

Mr Justice Sales said the man wanted to return to Islington and that “multi-agency public protection” arrangements should be made.

Cllr Janet Burgess, executive member for health and adult social care, Islington Council said: “We welcome the judgment which upholds our view that the council should not have to foot the bill for assessing the care needs of prisoners whose chances of obtaining parole are speculative.” She said the Secretary of State would now decide the case.