Illegal worker with fake passport awarded damages

The European Court of Human Rights has recently ordered that the British Government pay damages to an illegal worker who entered this country using a fake passport.

When Didier Pierre Paulet entered Britain in 2001 he lived illegally at an address in Bedford and obtained jobs using a fake French passport.

Working between 2003 and 2007 for a recruitment agency and as a fork lift truck driver, the Ivoirian immigrant was only detected when he applied for a provisional driving licence.

The 30 year old received a sentence of 17 months in prison after he pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court to a series of charges including 'obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception'.

Paulet was also slammed with a confiscation order and was forced to pay back all £21,949.60 he had earned while working under a false passport.

Seven years on, judges in Strasbourg have ruled that the confiscation order was a breach of Paulet's 'peaceful enjoyment of his possessions' according to Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

According to the Telegraph, the Government has been ordered to pay Paulet £1,630 in damages plus £8,150 in costs.

Commenting on the case, Deputy Leader of UKIP, Paul Nuttall criticised the ruling, describing it as "Another ridiculous example of European Human Rights Judges overruling a British Court".

Speaking to reporters, Mr Nuttall added, "When someone is in the UK illegally and benefits financially, it is just and right that a British Court can decide on a penalty, the ECHR meanwhile should just butt out".

If you need support with an immigration case, please call our solicitors on 0161 492 0300 and we will get back to you ASAP.

Crumpsall Solicitors

Manchester