Questão jurídica principal
Whether punishment for illegal stay was barred by the EU Return Directive
Decisão extraída
No. National punishment remains possible when a return procedure was initiated and the alien's conduct prevented removal, even if no coercive measures were ordered.
Fundamentação extraída
The migration authorities had already taken all reasonable steps for removal; the failed deportation was attributable to the appellant's concealment and non-cooperation. Therefore the conviction was compatible with the Directive.