Russian Army deserter's 'outings' end

Stefan Spirov's weekly outings have ended.

The Russian Army deserter - caught with a false passport when he entered New Zealand - is already serving an 18-month jail term at Christchurch Prison.

But the Immigration Service has had him brought to court every week to extend a warrant of commitment so that he can be deported when the prison term expires.

Christchurch District Court was yesterday told that the department did not wish to persist with the weekly appearances. Instead, when Spirov's release date approaches in September, it will seek a removal order which will still allow his deportation.

Spirov was conscripted as an 18-year-old but was jailed in Russia when he refused to fight. He escaped and sought asylum in London but later returned to Russia and acquired the false passport. He was caught using it during a stopover in New Zealand in December.

- NZPA