Maltings chef an illegal immigrant

AN illegal immigrant worked as a chef at Ely Maltings under a false name for almost a year, fearing threats to his life in his native Algeria. Khalep Boubani used his friend s name and insurance number while working at the Digby Trout Restaurant, where he

AN illegal immigrant worked as a chef at Ely Maltings under a false name for almost a year, fearing threats to his life in his native Algeria.

Khalep Boubani used his friend's name and insurance number while working at the Digby Trout Restaurant, where he earned more than £11,000.

"He had deceived his employers into thinking he was entitled to gain employment," Ely magistrates were told by prosecutor Emma Dmitriev on Thursday.

"His wages were paid into his friend's account, and his friend paid him in cash."

Boubani - who has already been served with deportation papers - admitted obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception between April 15 last year and February 8 this year.

Boubani, 30, of Gray Road, Cambridge, had been refused leave to remain in the UK in 2003, but had then "fallen off the immigration radar," said Mrs Dmitriev.

He was arrested on other matters on February 10, and told he would be sent back to Algeria. Boubani was in possession of a pay slip in the name of Kerim Kermiche. He admitted he was an illegal immigrant and used his friend's national insurance number to get a job.

Mitigating, Jacqui Baldwin said Boubani came to the UK in 1999, to escape 'significant threats to his life" over business debts. His application for asylum was turned down in 2003.

His home and subsistence grant were taken away from him, and in 2005 he decided to get a job. He worked very hard at the restaurant, and paid both tax and national insurance.

Boubani was committed for sentence at Cambridge Crown Court and remanded in custody.