An Algerian benefit cheat who swindled �100,000 in benefits has been jailed for two years – and will be deported when he is released.
Olivier Isaac, 43, of Hornsey Road, Holloway, admitted using a fake French passport to obtain social security payments.
Last year, the Gazette reported concerns that up to �1million could be have been claimed fraudulently in Islington by North African nationals using fake French documents.
In passing sentence at Blackfriars Crown Court, Judge Hillen recommended that Isaac be deported when released from jail.
He gave Isaac credit for the guilty plea and previous good character, but added it was “difficult to describe someone as being of good character when they have committed offences over seven years”.
Cllr Richard Greening, Islington Council’s executive member for finance, said: “I commend the work of the council’s fraud team in helping to bring Isaac to justice and it is good to see that the court has taken a tough line in this case.
“The two year prison sentence is a reflection of the seriousness of this crime.”
Isaac started using the forged passport in 2004 and the council say the fraud would have been detected due to more advanced tests.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of using a false instrument to obtain social security benefits.
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