Blaby, a normally tranquil Leicestershire village, has been thrust into the national spotlight after two mini-marts at its heart were ordered to close for three months amidst concerns over public disorder. Leicester Magistrates' Court made the ruling on Monday, 20 July 2026, following an application by Blaby District Council, which cited a BBC investigation that had linked convicted people smuggler Twana Jamal to the village.
Twana Jamal, an Iraqi Kurd, was jailed in France in 2016 for five years after being described as one of the most successful people smugglers ever caught. Authorities estimated he earned up to £100,000 per week from smuggling illegal immigrants across the Channel. In a disturbing twist, investigators revealed that Jamal had been working at the two Candy Corner premises in Blaby, raising serious questions about immigration compliance and community safety.
Louisa Horton, representing Blaby District Council, told the court that media attention surrounding the case had led to an unprecedented spike in community tensions. She pointed to numerous online posts 'inciting hatred' towards the shops and neighbouring businesses, which she argued posed a significant risk of disorder if the premises were allowed to reopen.
The council initially issued a 72-hour emergency closure notice on 3 July, but new firms were registered to the properties on 4 and 5 July under a different director, an Iraqi national. Signage was also altered at one of the shops, with a new name – M&M Express Ltd – being displayed. This move, according to Ms Horton, further escalated community tensions and heightened the risk of disorder.
Manizja Latifi, counsel for the Candy Corner stores, disputed Blaby District Council's claims that Jamal was involved in the management or operation of the businesses. She stated that Jamal was merely a 'distant relative' who had assisted with childcare duties on the day the BBC investigation visited. Ms Latifi highlighted the alarming level of online hostility, including dozens of Facebook threats calling for violence against the shop and its staff.
Despite Ms Latifi's arguments for a more measured approach, Magistrate Miss Clifton ultimately ruled that a three-month closure was necessary to protect public safety. The decision cited personal threats made against local residents as well as concerns about Jamal's continued presence in the village.