Man Deported After Falsely Claiming British Citizenship

A man who claimed to be British after allegedly swimming from France to the Channel Islands is set to be deported. The individual, who identified himself as David Henry Law, was rescued from Rozel Bay in Jersey in March 2024. He asserted that he had swum for 13 hours and carried only €265 in cash, without any formal identification. During the rescue, he attempted to support his claim of citizenship by quoting William Shakespeare.

The rescue operation unfolded when three individuals heard him shouting for help. Authorities found him wearing a wetsuit, swim cap, goggles, and a belt bag containing cash. Despite his assertions of being a 35-year-old British citizen, local authorities found no record of him, leading to his imprisonment for entering the island without permission.

As his prison sentence neared its conclusion, questions arose regarding the man’s future. Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) began investigating his identity and citizenship status. They have since confirmed that he used a false name and is not a British citizen. Furthermore, JCIS stated that he has no right to reside in Jersey.

Legal Proceedings and Immigration Status

JCIS is currently coordinating with international authorities to facilitate the individual’s return to another jurisdiction. Until these arrangements are finalized, he remains in La Moye Prison under immigration detention.

In an official statement, JCIS emphasized the findings of their investigation: “Enquiries made by JCIS have established that the person who claimed to be David Henry Law, and to be a British citizen, is not David Henry Law and is not a British citizen. Enquiries made by JCIS have also established that the individual has no right to reside in Jersey.”

While JCIS has not disclosed the individual’s real identity due to privacy concerns, the agency confirmed that they would not provide further comments on the matter. This case highlights the complexities surrounding immigration and identity verification in the Channel Islands, particularly as local authorities navigate their responsibilities amidst evolving legal situations.