Blackmailer living illegally in Dungannon

Lithuanian national Vitalijus Timofejevas, 34, with an address at Hollow Hills Meadows in the town, appeared by video-link at Dungannon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following his arrest on August 22.

The court was told that the defendant was originally banned from re-entering the country in 2012 following a conviction for blackmail and grievous bodily harm.

The court heard how the defendant returned to the UK in 2015, and was subsequently deported. Since it was a first breach of the deportation order, he was not prosecuted for the offence.

However, during a house search in Dungannon last week Timofejevas was once again found living in the area.

He was placed at the Immigration Removal Centre at Larne House and then transferred to police custody.

The court was told that during an interview at Musgrave PSNI Station Timofejevas freely admitted to knowing he was barred from entering the UK.

He claimed he had returned to see his family and collect his tools from the Dungannon address.

At an earlier court hearing, an immigration official revealed that the defendant had driven from Lithuania in a van with friends.

He then entered Ireland via a port at Dublin before making the journey north.

A previous bail application made on the defendant’s behalf was strongly opposed by immigration who said they feared Timofejevas would not turn up for trial.

He was accused of knowingly entering the United Kingdom in breach of a deportation order or without leave, contrary to the Immigration Act.

Judge John Meehan ordered pre-sentence reports for the defendant, who will reappear by video link at Dungannon Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday September 28.