Unlawful Detention And False Imprisonment

Unlawful Detention and False Imprisonment

Being held in an immigration detention centre can be a depressing and stressful time and the welfare of the detainees is of upmost importance. Being falsely detained or imprisoned is likely to put the detainee under even more pressure and could potentially lead to the suffering of many detrimental effects such as developing mental health issues and even falling into financial difficulty.

Being falsely detained or imprisoned is an offence and in some cases the authorities are unable to detain an asylum seeker if you meet any of the following criteria;

• You are an unaccompanied minor. A minor must be either; under 18 or yet to have their age verified
• You have a severe disability
• You have an infectious or contagious disease
• You are a woman who is 24 or more weeks pregnant
• You suffer from a mental illness
• You require constant medical care
• There is evidence that you have been a victim of torture or trafficking

If any you fall into any of these categories and have been detained by the immigration authorities you may be able to claim monetary compensation from them.

You may also be entitled to compensation if you experience a delayed asylum decision. If the immigration authorities take a long time to decide whether or not you are eligible for asylum you may be able to claim compensation for being unlawfully deprived of your liberty. You may fall into this category even if you have not been in detention for the time the decision is being made, if you have been released on bail with conditions attached to it, your liberty has been affected.

Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors can offer advice on cases involving wrongful imprisonment and unlawful detainment. Duncan Lewis advises clients to get in touch as soon as possible, while any evidence is still available and memories of the incident remain fresh.

Duncan Lewis may be able to secure legal aid, or to offer a no win no fee arrangement for advising on immigration detention centre complaints and claims – with competitively priced rates for privately funding a claim or After the Event (ATE) insurance, if either legal aid is unavailable or where a no win no fee basis is not possible.

For expert legal advice on actions against immigration detention centres and false imprisonment, do not hesitate to call Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.