Illegal Migrant Swallows Vape Battery to Stop Deportation Flight
Vape Battery Swungle Halts Removal Attempt
An illegal migrant from India pulled a shocking stunt to dodge deportation from the UK — he swallowed a vape battery. The man, identified only as Sharma, took this desperate move moments before officials tried to send him back home on 23 September 2024. His reckless act forced doctors to step in and grounded the deportation flight.
Justice Simon Tinkler confirmed it was a deliberate ploy to frustrate removal efforts. Sharma, a convicted child sex offender and drug dealer, had been jailed for three years in Scotland but was freed on remand in November 2024.
Deportation Fails Expose System Chaos
- Sharma’s vape battery stunt stopped the first deportation attempt dead in its tracks.
- The second try collapsed after bungled paperwork from the Indian High Commission.
- Slow emergency travel documents from India dragged the whole process out, letting Sharma hang around despite his dangerous past.
This messy saga highlights major cracks in the UK’s system for booting out foreign criminals.
Child Sex Offender on Bail Breaks Rules, Risks Public Safety
Sharma didn’t just sit quietly. He repeatedly broke bail conditions and committed fresh offences while out on immigration bail in May 2024. With child sex offences in his record, strict laws prevent him from being near schools, parks, or anywhere children are likely to be.
“Any proposed accommodation had to be approved to ensure that it was not too close to schools, parks and other places where children were likely to be,” warned Justice Tinkler.
Since no safe housing was found, Sharma remains in detention as officials race to deport him.
Sabotage Backfires as Sharma’s Compensation Bid Flops
In a twist, Sharma tried to claim compensation, arguing part of his detention was unlawful. The judge threw cold water on this, ruling unanimously that his detention was lawful, given the public safety risk and his deliberate interference.
The Home Office says his removal is “likely imminent” but insists he stays locked up because he poses a threat and keeps trying to dodge deportation.
Diplomatic Delays and Dodgy Tricks Drag Out Deportation
- Last year, the UK forced the removal of 9,115 migrants, including 5,179 foreign offenders.
- But Sharma’s case shows how paperwork hiccups and deliberate sabotage can gum up the works.
- Countries like India slow-walk travel documents, hoping the UK will throw in the towel.
His vape battery stunt joins a long lineup of desperate tactics by detainees — from last-minute asylum claims to fake emergencies and persecution threats — all aimed at blocking removal.
Justice System on a Knife Edge
Officials juggle public safety and strict detention laws. Sharma’s detention is legal for now, but continued deportation failures could force his release — despite serious risks to the public.
This case lays bare how offenders exploit loopholes, sabotage deportation, and lean on diplomatic headaches. Sharma’s fate now hinges on when India cooperates and if he can cook up more schemes to stay in the UK.
