Chinese student deported from UK after taping film in theater

[Untouchables]

Chinese student deported from UK after taping film in theater
Staff Reporter 2013-10-08 17:37

People queue to buy tickets at a cinema in London. (Photo/CFP)

A Chinese student caught illegally recording a film at a cinema in London has been deported from the UK after police found his visa had expired. The student, surnamed Shu, is the first overseas student to be detained for violating intellectual property rights, reports the London-based Chinese Business Gazette.

Staff were alerted to the student's actions in August after he entered the theater wearing a big coat despite warm weather. Shu was then caught in the act as he attempted to record the film with a video camera.

Shu initially told the staff and police that it was his first time taping a film. However, according to police records, he had been caught for the same offense 13 months previously. The police later found dozens of illegal DVDs at his home, all recent releases of popular US and European films.

Shu denied allegations that he recorded films to make illegal DVDs for sale. Due to insufficient evidence the police were unable to make a conviction but arranged for Shu to be deported as his visa had expired.