A Czech national who repeatedly sneaked back into Britain after being deported has been sentenced to 12 months in prison. Patrik Durac, a 27-year-old failed asylum seeker with a significant criminal record, was told he will be removed from the UK once more.
A Persistent Criminal Record
Patrik Durac, who previously lived in Stoke-on-Trent, has a history of serious offences in the UK. His criminal past includes serving prison sentences for affray and supplying heroin and cocaine. In 2019, he was part of a gang that carried out a violent revenge attack at Hanley Bus Station, for which he was jailed for ten months.
Later, in 2021, he received a 14-month sentence after being found in a car containing nearly £1,500 worth of heroin and cocaine. Following his release, his immigration troubles escalated, leading to his eventual deportation.
Defiant Returns and the 'Back Door' Route
Having exhausted all asylum appeals by 2022, Durac was deported from Britain in April 2023. Undeterred, he attempted to return using what has been described as a notorious 'back door' for migrants. His method involved travelling to the Republic of Ireland and then catching a ferry to the Welsh port of Holyhead.
On December 6, 2024, Border Force officers identified him through fingerprint checks. He was travelling under the alias Martin Rafael, a name he had legally adopted in the Czech Republic. The court heard he had previously used his brother's passport in a similar attempt.
Social Media Boasts and Final Arrest
Durac had brazenly documented his returns on social media. In one post from October 2024, he was pictured in the Potteries region wearing a £1,500 Moncler jacket and making a rude gesture. A friend commented on the post, acknowledging his return to the UK.
He was finally arrested in March 2025 for immigration offences and removed again. However, his persistence continued, and he was arrested once more at Holyhead on December 5, 2025, leading to his latest court appearance.
Court Sentencing and Home Office Stance
Appearing via video link from Berwyn Prison, Durac admitted to breaching his deportation order. At Caernarfon Crown Court, Recorder Simon Hughes noted the 'element of persistence' in his attempts to enter the UK and stated there was no reasonable alternative to custody.
The judge sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, after which he will be removed from the country. The Home Office reiterated its position, stating: 'Everyone entering the UK must comply with immigration rules. Anyone entering in breach of a deportation order will be detained and removed.'
This case highlights ongoing enforcement challenges at Irish Sea ports. Under the Common Travel Area, officials report that individuals regularly attempt to enter illegally via Holyhead. An operation in October 2024 alone resulted in the seizure of £20,000 in cash and multiple false documents.
