A BRAZILIAN man was warned that he needs to consult with an immigration lawyer after a court heard that he stayed in the country beyond his visa.

Joao Victor Dos Anjos Silva (30) appeared at Bandon District Court where he pleaded guilty to staying in the country without a valid work visa.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy said that on January 16th Gda Grace Duggan carried out an inspection under the Immigration Act at Dio’s Barbers at the Glen in Kinsale.

The accused, with an address at 3A Higher O’Connell Street, Kinsale was observed working there.

‘He couldn’t produce a passport and wasn’t in possession of a valid work permit,’ said Sgt Mulcahy.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taaffe said his client was here legitimately on a student visa for 16 months from March 2024, left the country in August 2024 and returned without a valid visa.

The court heard that the accused had made an application for permanent residency but was rejected at a previous court sitting.

Mr Taaffe said his client wasn’t aware of this and the immigration lawyer he was engaged with had not told him this.

Judge Carroll adjourned the case to March 23rd so that the accused can consider and regularise his position in the country.

‘He is going to have to carefully consider his position with an immigration lawyer if he wants to stay in this country,’ said Judge Carroll.