A foreign national convicted of serious child sex crimes in Scotland made a desperate attempt to avoid being deported from the United Kingdom by swallowing a vape battery.
A Calculated Bid to Evade Justice
The man, an Indian citizen identified in court only as Sharma, swallowed the device shortly before a scheduled deportation flight. A High Court judge, Justice Simon Tinkler, described this act as a calculated bid to be taken to hospital and thereby evade removal from the country.
Sharma was convicted in Scotland last year for sexual activity with a child and for supplying Class B drugs. He received a three-year prison sentence in August 2024 but was released in November of the same year after his sentence was shortened due to time already served in custody. Upon release, he was immediately transferred to a secure immigration detention centre.
Repeated Delays and Failed Deportations
The Home Office had initially arranged for Sharma's removal on September 23. However, this attempt and subsequent ones were repeatedly delayed. The primary reason was the failure of the Indian High Commission to issue the necessary emergency travel documents.
Another deportation was scheduled for November 6, but Sharma again did not board the flight because Indian officials had still not provided the correct paperwork. As of this week, more than two months after the first planned removal, he remains in immigration detention in Scotland, believed to be at the Dungavel House centre near Glasgow.
The court also heard that Sharma has a history of failing to comply with bail conditions and committing further criminal offences while on bail.
Public Risk and Lawful Detention
When Sharma was granted conditional immigration bail in May, he could not actually be released. Officials could not find approved accommodation that met strict safety conditions. Any proposed housing had to be situated away from schools, parks, and other places where children are likely to be, as stated by Justice Tinkler.
The Home Office argued to the court that Sharma's removal was 'likely imminent' and that he posed a significant risk to the public. This assessment was based on his criminal history, past breaches of bail, and his deliberate attempt to obstruct removal by swallowing the battery.
Justice Tinkler accepted these arguments, ruling that his continued detention remained lawful for now. The judge noted that keeping him in a secure centre makes it easier to prevent further attempts to disrupt the deportation process.
The ruling did acknowledge that Sharma may still bring a separate legal claim for compensation if he argues that the length of his immigration detention has become unlawful.
