AN illegal immigrant who used a false passport to work illegally in the UK has been jailed for a year.

Abram Olalere, 38, originally from Nigeria, used the fake document to get into the UK and to get a job.

He was arrested by immigration officers from the UK Border Agency in Grays on December 22 last year.

They recovered the fake passport, which falsely stated Olalere had indefinite leave to remain in the UK and could live and work in the country without restrictions.

Olalere, of Cromwell Road, Grays, had been working in West Thurrock since January 2008 and the court heard his employer had been fooled by the fake passport.

At Basildon Crown Court, he claimed he was sending money back to Nigeria to support his four children. He said he was sorry for what he had done and now wanted to return to Nigeria as soon as possible.

Olalere pleaded guilty to possessing a false passport with intent and fraud.

Following the sentencing, Gail Adams, the UK Border Agency’s regional director, said: “We will not tolerate immigration abuse and will punish those who break the immigration laws.

“This case shows how effective identity cards will be in preventing immigration abuse. Individuals will be locked down to one identity through their facial image and fingerprints.

“Identity cards for foreign nationals will help us crack down on illegal working, as they will give employers a safe and secure way of checking a migrant’s right to work and study in the UK.”