Reprieved refugee back in Yorkshire

A WOMAN who fought to halt her husband’s deportation after their marriage was branded a sham by immigration officials yesterday welcomed him back to Yorkshire.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Justice Charles was arrested and held in immigration removal centres in Lincoln and Colnbrook, near Heathrow Airport, and he was due to be removed from Britain on August 19.

The UK Border Agency said Mr Charles, 35, who is originally from Sierra Leone, had claimed asylum nine years ago on the grounds that he faced persecution in his home country.

Since his arrival he has lived in Sheffield, and married his wife Ruby, 46, in 2008.

But an immigration judge ruled it a “marriage of convenience” and ordered his deportation.

But after representations were made by the vicar who carried out the marriage and a group of Sheffield-based campaigners, the process was halted and he has now been bailed.

Mr Charles, of Fieldhead Road, Highfield, Sheffield, could still be deported from the UK and must convince the immigration authorities to allow him indefinite “leave to remain” if he is to avoid a return to Africa.

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