A deportation order was issued against her and her three children last November, but she claims that her four-year-old son, Great, will be deprived of vital treatment if the family is deported.

An independent psychiatric assessment of Great in October 2005 found that he would suffer long-term serious problems unless he was given access to specialist care. He was found to suffer from a range of problems, including detachment disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Judgement in last week's judicial review case was reserved and may be announced next week, although it looks likely that it will be after Christmas before the verdict is handed down.