THE court battle to deport convicted child-molester Zulfar Hussain cost up to £100,000, it has been reported.

The 48-year-old had fought a one-year legal row in an attempt to remain in Blackburn because of his ‘right to family life’.

He had been jailed for five years and eight months in August 2007 after he was convicted of child abduction, sexual activity with a child and supplying youngsters with ecstasy after he lured two girls.

The legal costs and the £110 a day bill for keeping Hussain in the detention centre will be met by the public purse.

Immigration minister Damian Green said: “We will not accept foreign nationals like Zulfar Hussain breaking our laws.

“Those who commit serious offences should be removed at the earliest opportunity.

“We will do all we can to protect the public from those who abuse their right to be here.”