AN illegal immigrant who smuggled his way into the UK in the back of a lorry was jailed for 18 months and recommended for deportation.

Kamaljit Singh, 29, who had proceedings translated into his native Punjabi, was arrested after using fake driving licences to obtain a job as a driver for a fast food outlet in Southampton.

Prosecutor Richard Willcox told the city crown court how Singh paid £1,000 to acquire the documents from “a friend of a friend”.

Singh, of Derby Road, Southampton, admitted two counts of possessing a false identity document with intent.

In mitigation, Audrey Archer said Singh had come to the UK from India for cheaper medication to combat his asthma but now wanted to go home.