House of Lords Employed Illegal Worker
March 23rd, 2010A court case last week revealed that Nigerian, Modupeola Fatoyinbo was employed illegally at the Houses of Parliament. She was originally employed as a casual catering assistant but was later offered a permanent position at which point she produced a counterfeit passport as proof of identity.
Peter Zinner, prosecuting, stated: “To gain access to the relevant department, she had been issued with a visitor’s pass, and she would be met by a member of catering staff, who would escort her to the department. The result of this was that she was working in a secure area without being security checked.”
With regards to the passport, he said: “It was found to be a false, counterfeit document, containing a counterfeit Home Office leave to remain in the UK and permission to do work.” Ms Fatoyinbo admitted that she had paid £170 for the passport.
As he jailed her for four months, Judge Andrew Goymer stated: “These are serious offences, which undermine confidence in the management and identity control systems of this country. People must expect to go to prison for such offences. I bear in mind that you are of previous good character, and have two young children. I have also been told that you pose no security or terrorist threat and as far as I’m aware, you did not present a security risk to the Palace of Westminster.”
The judge made no recommendations regarding deportation as Ms Fatoyinbo is seeking asylum for her and her daughters.
