An Algerian asylum-seeker who was arrested as he was about to marry last month finally walked up the aisle yesterday with his Garda sergeant bride. Christine Newman reports.
Mr Mohammed Laihem was due to marry Sgt Helen Holden in Limerick Register Office on January 20th when he was arrested by gardaí from the Immigration Department in Limerick. He was held in Limerick Prison and was facing deportation.
Last Friday an ex-parte application was made to the High Court seeking an inquiry into the holding of Mr Laihem. The case was adjourned until Monday to allow the State to enter a defence. However, when the case was called, the State did not contest the application and he was released unconditionally.
Mr Laihem has been in Ireland since March 2001 when he filed an application for refugee status. This was not considered as he failed to turn up for interview.
Meanwhile he had met Sgt Holden, who is based in Cappamore, Limerick, and the couple decided to marry as soon as she could obtain a divorce.