ONE of Jersey’s most recognisable politicians was this morning sentenced to 120 hours of community service for immigration offences.
St Saviour Deputy Philip Ozouf appeared in the Royal Court after admitting a string of charges relating to the employment of Rwandan nationals.
The Former External Relations and Treasury Minister has had a political career spanning more than two decades.
But his political reputation has been left “in tatters” as he was handed the community service order.
Ozouf previously admitted five breaches of Jersey’s immigration law by employing five Rwandan nationals at his launderette, My Eco Laundry, when their work permits didn’t allow them to. He was External Relations Minister for some of the 18 months while he was offending, the court heard.
Ozouf was suspended from the States Assembly in November as a result of his legal troubles.
He was sentenced this morning alongside his co-accused, Savoy Hotel director Roberto Lora. Lora admitted one count of breaching the immigration law by assisting Ozouf and allowing one of the Rwandan nationals to work in his home and was handed a £5,000 fine.
Crown Advocate William Redgrave, prosecuting, requested a ten-month jail term for Ozouf and a £5,000 fine for Lora.
Advocate James Bell, defending Ozouf, said: “His political career, that he has devoted so much of his life to, is in tatters.”
Commissioner Alan Binnington was presiding. Jurats Jane Ronge and David Le Heuzé are sitting.
More coverage to come and in tomorrow’s Jersey Evening Post
