Ballad of Steve and Melissa

Shared here. Another detention : http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/another-detention-original-piece-on.html

We got married in Gibraltar and Melissa became my wife,
But returning to the UK caused one hell of a strife,
For the powers that be detained her, no they would not let her in,
It seems that being an American is now some kind of sin,
If you happen to fall in love with a British green-bearded guy,
Especially if you are suspected of being a Chinese spy.

Another detention

Original piece on Steve Andrews and Melissa Houghton :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/wales-online-hes-from-wales-shes.html

Steve and Melissa were recently married in Gibraltar. Melissa attempted to travel to the UK, and was detained, in circumstances very similar to those of BritCits supporter Dee late last year. You can read Dee's account of detention here :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/an-account-of-detention-of-spouse-of.html 

The piece below is via Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/groups/650212281695959/permalink/776822782368241/

Steve writes :
What has just happened after Melissa Houghton and I got married in Gibraltar yesterday and she tried to return to the UK.

--A Very Powerful Letter From Melissa About her Experience of Being Detained and Interrogated on her Wedding Night.---

It feels like I've just let every pain I've ever felt just build up, build up, build up, until some horrible event I can't possibly sugar coat no matter how pollyanna-rose-colored glasses I want to be about it, causes me to completely lose it. I shall try to spill out everything without editing, but even now I feel like I'm being watched, as I have a very kind family law officer looking after me, but still being watched nonetheless. Why do I need to be monitored? It seems they are so concerned about my "emotional state" as I was encouraged to write down any questions that came up in my mind and was told by the nurse that all questions had answers, but I do not think this is really thinking. Not all questions are created equal and they constructing being emotional around here as something to be resisted, something to be covered up by visions of a absolutely great life ahead for me in the future.

Wales Online : He's from Wales, she's American, so why can't their romance blossom?

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/steve-andrews-melissa-houghton-hes-7343315

'Self-confessed 'artist-type' Steve Andrews is 62 and partner Melissa Houghton is 32, but it's not the age gap that's causing them problems - it's visa restrictions.'

'Writing about their plight, the Bard of Ely said: “Our age difference causes no problems, but our nationalities do.

'“I couldn’t believe my luck when I found out that despite the fact that I was twice her age and a starving artist-type, Melissa was as attracted to me as I was to her.”

'The couple met and fell in love in Tenerife where Steve had been for nine years. Melissa, who was born in Korea but adopted by American parents, was touring Europe and  moved into Steve’s apartment in  San Marcos.

'Steve said: “Sadly though, the course of transatlantic love was not set to run at all smoothly. Melissa had a tourist visa and this only allowed her to stay in the Canary Islands until the beginning of May. The UK was a logical choice, as she could stay six months on a tourist visa.”'

https://twitter.com/bardofely