Comedian Brand denied entry into Japan

Russell Brand was denied entry into Japan by immigration officials yesterday.

The 35-year-old funnyman – who has previously battled heroin addiction and been arrested 12 times for offences including criminal damage and indecent exposure - flew into Tokyo's Narita Airport with his wife Katy Perry, who is touring the country, but was denied entry because of his criminal past.

The 'Firework' singer broke the news on her twitter page, admitting she was distraught not to be able to show her spouse her "favourite place".

She tweeted: "So...my husband just got deported from Japan. I am so. sad. I brought him all this way to show him my favorite place. Tokyodreamscrushed

"...But of COURSE I heart my Japanese fans & the show #MUSTGOONno matter the daily aftershocks or husband kidnappings! it'snotrightbutit'sokay"

While Katy was upset by Russell's deportation, the British comic saw the funny side when being questioned by officials and revealed he was planning to escape.

He tweeted: "Planning escape from Japanese custody. It's bloody hard to dig a tunnel with a chopstick

"Stockholm syndrome kicking in. Just asked my guard out for (vegetarian) sushi. He giggled."

When the officials had finished questioning him he tweeted: "Alcatraz! Shawshank Redemption! And now this! Ah, sweet blue bird of freedom!"