Asylum seeker convicted but still here

A failed asylum seeker living in Nottingham was convicted of fraudulently receiving more than £14,000 in benefits. (h/t Dave)

Mohammed Hossein Gholamy, 27, had denied the charges but was found guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.

he court heard £8,585 was paid into his bank account during the same period he received £14,212 in benefits between August 2009 and June 2011.

The court heard that after being refused asylum, Gholamy made further representations about his claim in June 2009 and was banned from working while the UK Border Agency considered his additional evidence.

How long does this take?

But after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly in June 2011, officers found documents in his possession – including vehicle registration, bank statements and a taxi licensing application – which indicated he had another income.

Gholamy was sentenced to 60 days in prison, suspended for a year.

He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours' unpaid community work.

After the case, UK Border Agency asylum fraud investigator Carol Mills said:

As this case shows, we will not hesitate to prosecute foreign nationals that break our laws, stealing thousands of pounds from the public purse.

We will track down, prosecute and seek to remove those who abuse their right to be here.

The UK Border Agency said it will now seek to remove Gholamy from the country if the further representations about his asylum claim are rejected.

• Gholamy is a criminal. Why is he still here?