By Tahna Weston
A woman who overstayed her entry permit into the country looks set to be deported after being convicted for the offence in St John’s Magistrates’ Court.
Fransheska Arias De-Paula pleaded guilty to the charge before Magistrate Dexter Wason, who reprimanded and discharged her and ordered that she be deported forthwith.
The 24-year-old Dominican Republic national, who was residing at Tindale Road, was picked up by an immigration officer, acting on information, while disembarking the Barbuda ferry on September 15.
She was questioned about her status in the country and later arrested for remaining here illegally.
De-Paula was taken to the Immigration Detention Centre where inquiries were made and she admitted that she did not leave the country because she did not want to go back home.
She had arrived in Antigua on May 18 this year and was granted a three-month entry permit.
When the permit expired she returned to the Immigration Department seeking an extension, but was denied and told to leave by August 27.
