AN APPEAL against a decision to let a failed asylum seeker who left a 12-year-old dying under his car stay in the country must be done quickly, the victim’s father has said.

Amy Houston’s father Paul was outraged by the decision in December to allow Aso Mohammed Ibrahim to stay in the country, and was supported by Justice Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw who said he would take to case to Home Secretary Alan Johnson to force an appeal.

Darwen MP Janet Anderson and Hyndburn MP Greg Pope have also supported the appeal against the judge’s decision, which left officials UK Border Agency “extremely disappointed”.

Mr Houston, of Argyle Street, Darwen, said: “The appeal seems to be taking a very long time and I don’t know what the hold up is.

“Mr Straw tells me he genuinely wants to deport the man, but with the election coming up and his involvement in the Iraq inquiry, I think he’s been busy.

"People have suggested that it’s all a charade and MPs are only interested in gaining political points, but I really hope it’s not because that would just rub salt into the wounds.

“If something’s going to be done, it needs to be done quickly.”

Mr Straw said: “I have been in touch with Mr Houston and sent a copy of the judge’s Determination.

"I have spoken to the Home Secretary and recommended that this decision is appealed, and I will chase it up to find out where it is at.”

In November 2003, Amy ran into the road in Newfield Drive, Highercroft, Blackburn, and was struck by Ibrahim’s car. He ran off, leaving her under the car.

Ibrahim was jailed for four months for driving while disqualified and failing to stop after an accident. He could not be deported because Iraq was unsafe.