Man who claimed to have swum to Jersey from France deported after almost two years in prison

The Jersey Customs and Immigration Service say they know 'David Law's' true nationality, but have not confirmed where he has been deported to. Credit: ITV Channel

A man who was found on a Jersey beach quoting Shakespeare and claiming to be a British Citizen has been deported, two years after he arrived on the island.

The man who calls himself 'David Henry Law' was found at Rozel Bay in September 2024.

He claimed he had swum 13 hours from France to reach Jersey, but was sentenced to 15 months in prison for two charges, including entering the island illegally.

However, 'Mr Law' was left in legal limbo after his prison sentence ended, as there was no obvious pathway for deportation without a confirmed identity.

Now, after a year and eight months, the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) say the man has finally been deported.

'David Law' was kept in La Moye Prison under immigration detention following the end of his prison sentence. Credit: States of Jersey Police

In a statement on Wednesday 20 May, JCIS said that they had identified 'Mr Law's' real nationality following "detailed and lengthy enquiries" with jurisdictions in Europe and beyond.

However, the authorities have refused to confirm or deny his true identity and home nation.

This is despite a recent report in the Jersey Evening Post, identifying the man as a Chinese national named Mr Wang.

  • How did we get here? Watch ITV News's 'What You Need To Know' episode on the curious case of 'David Law'. Broadcast in August 2025

The JCIS's statement reads: "JCIS have identified the individual's true nationality and identity and can confirm that he is not a British national and therefore has no right to reside in Jersey.

"The individual was flown to the UK with officers from JCIS on Tuesday 19 May where he was met by UK Border Force officials before being returned to his home country.

"In line with other deportation cases, JCIS will not provide comment in respect of the identity of the individual.

"JCIS can confirm that the man claiming to be Mr Law did not at any time apply for asylum in Jersey."

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