NZ overstayer in Britain claims victory

Overstayer Shane Gilshnan says it is thanks to a Facebook group that he is able to stay in England. Photo / Supplied.

A New Zealand overstayer who lived illegally in England since 2002 credits an internet campaign by his friends for helping secure him the right to stay there.

Shane Gilshnan, 45, formerly of Palmerston North, entered Britain on a six-month visa and later set up home with Englishwoman Janette Hartford, 47 from Leeds, the pair marrying last year.

But Mr Gilshnan was then told by the British Home Office to return to his country of birth and apply for a new spouse visa, or be detained and deported.

Unemployed Mr Gilshnan feared that if he flew back to New Zealand and applied for immigration as a spouse, his chances might be hurt by drinking driving convictions.

Friends mounted a "Save Kiwi Shane" campaign on Facebook, thousands signing a petition against his deportation.

As a result he has now been advised by his solicitor that he can stay, The Yorkshire Post reported.

"This just goes to show, if you want something, you fight for it," Mr Gilshnan said.

"If they had have come to take me away, I wouldn't have gone quietly because this is where my heart is".

- NZPA