A MAN from Portugal who was stopped by Border Force officers at the Port of Holyhead has been jailed.

Dario Rocha, 38, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court (sitting at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court) today (August 13).

He had previously pleaded guilty to entering the UK lawfully without leave but remain beyond time limit.

READ MORE:

Former Chronicle reporter to release second novel

Woman and daughter rescued after struggling in Gwynedd waters

Prosecuting, Laura Knightly told the court that Rocha was encountered by officers on July 3, having arrived in Holyhead by ferry.

Rocha was in possession of a construction skills certification scheme card at the time.

He has no current leave to enter the UK, and has previously had numerous refusals of entry and leave to the UK.

In addition, he was convicted of illegal entry after being encountered by immigration officers at a ferry terminal in Belfast in January, and was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment, suspended for a year.

When interviewed on July 4, Rocha said he “made a mistake”, as he knew he was not allowed in the UK, but said he wanted to see his wife, who lives in London.

He has not appealed his EU settled status refusals, and had not made further application seeking leave in the UK.

Rocha added that he had not flown directly to London because he “had not wanted to get arrested”, and said a taxi driver had paid for his ferry ticket.

Representing Rocha, who had no previous convictions prior to being stopped in Belfast, Jemma Gordon said that “effectively, his life was upturned when his settled status was refused”.

He had previously lived and worked in the UK legally until then.

Rocha, who broke down in tears during today’s hearing, also has a 12-year-old son in Cape Verde, who he has not seen since 2023.

Previous attempts to arrange for his son to enter the UK were also refused, Ms Gordon said.

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees told Rocha: “For a considerable period, the problem of illegal entry has been increasing.

“I acknowledge that your experience in custody is more difficult, given your personal circumstances, including language.

“But I must warn you that your continued attempts to enter the UK illegally will attract longer and longer sentences.

“Thereafter (his prison sentence), it’s anticipated that you be removed from the UK.”