Mrs Quaid begged a Canadian immigration adjudicator not to force her to return, saying friends, such as actors David Carradine and Heath Ledger, have been ‘murdered’ under mysterious circumstances.

‘We feel our lives are in danger,’ she said. ‘Randy has known eight close friends murdered in odd, strange manners… We feel that we’re next.’

During a break in the proceedings, the Quaids’ lawyer, Brian Tsuji approached the media to read a single-sentence statement from the Quaids.

We are requesting asylum from Hollywood star whackers,’ he read, declining further comment on the mental state of his clients.