A Chinese man arrested for motoring offences who claimed he is a victim of human trafficking is to be deported.
Lei Yi Zhen (33) whose address was given as no fixed abode Armagh admitted having Driving Licence or insurance when detected obstructing police by providing false details
Police on patrol at Killyman Street, Dungannon on October 25 were behind a Fiat Punto and became concerned about the quality of driving.
They indicated for it to stop and on speaking with the Zhen officers removed the keys from the ignition, but at this point the car began to roll backwards.
It was suspected Zhen had not passed a Driving Test and police requested to see his licence.
He showed officers a photograph of a UK licence on his phone which bore the surname ‘Mack’.
Checks showed the vehicle was not insured and the registered owner was the person named Mack for whom there was a live Arrest Warrant.
Believing Zhen was this person, police arrested him, but while in custody it became apparent he had provided false details.
He provided his correct name but could not remember his address having only arrived in Northern Ireland the previous week on a boat from England.
Zhen claimed he had trafficked and was told to give false details if stopped by police.
A defence solicitor informed Dungannon Magistrates’ Court he had spoken with an Immigration Officer at the police station while Zhen was in custody and learned he was to be served with a Notice of Removal from the UK.
In terms of the offence the defence said Zhen “acted as he did as he had felt he had very little choice”.
The issue of being trafficked was considered by the Home Office but “is not relevant to the case and guilt is accepted”.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer told Zhen: “Events have somewhat overtaken you as you are going to be deported. You have given an account of being trafficked and under the circumstances I largely accept what you say.”
Ordering a Conditional Discharge, Judge Mateer, concluded: “Other authorities will deal with this now the case is concluded.”
