Whitechapel boat race protester Trenton Oldfield ordered to leave UK
File photo dated 7/4/2012 of Boat Race protester Trenton Oldfield who has been refused leave to remain in the UK after the Home Office decided his presence was not "conducive to the public good". - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images
A Whitechapel man who disrupted last year’s University Boat Race by swimming in front of the crews has been ordered to leave the UK.
The Home Office said Trenton Oldfield’s presence in the country was not “conducive to the public good”.
The Australian, whose British wife is expecting a child this week, was jailed for six months after being found guilty of causing a public nuisance.
Mr Oldfield, who lives in Myrdle Street, off Commercial Road, had told the court that his actions were a protest against elitism and inequality.
In an interview posted on YouTube, Mr Oldfield said: “The British government sees me as apparently a threat to national security and a person with undesirable qualities who has poor associations.
“They want me out of the country. Not necessarily to go to Australia they just want me to leave.”
Mr Oldfield, who has lived in the UK for more than 10 years said he would appeal the Home Office’s decision.
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A Home Office spokesman said: “Those who come to the UK must abide by our laws.”
Mr Oldfield interrupted the 158th boat race between Oxford and Cambridge in April, which was eventually won by Cambridge.
