Brent resident was once described as Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe

Terror suspect Abu Qatada’s appeal against deportation to Jordan to face trial has been allowed by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission.

His appeal was upheld today after his lawyers claimed he would not get a fair trial.

The man, who lives in Brent, was once described by a judge as Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe was convicted in Jordan of terror charges in his absence in 1999.

Qatada was allowed to stay in Britain in 1994 but the government wants to deport him.

In December 2001, Qatada became one of Britain’s most wanted men after going on the run from his home in Acton, west London.

In October 2002, he was arrested by police in a council house in south London and detained in Belmarsh high-security jail.

Jordan has given assurances to Home Secretary Theresa May that no evidence gained through torture would be used against Qatada, but his legal team had claimed he would not get a fair trial in Jordan.

In a response today, the Home Office said the “Government strongly disagrees with this ruling” and added it would be seeking leave to appeal.

A Home Office spokesman said the Government will apply to appeal against the decision.

He said: “The Government strongly disagrees with this ruling. We have obtained assurances not just in relation to the treatment of Qatada himself, but about the quality of the legal processes that would be followed throughout his trial.

“Indeed, today’s ruling found that ‘the Jordanian judiciary, like their executive counterparts, are determined to ensure that the appellant will receive, and be seen to receive, a fair retrial’.

“We will therefore seek leave to appeal today’s decision.”