A Filipino mechanic has been recommended for deportation after he was caught working on the island illegally after five years.

Ernesto Bandong, 54, pleaded guilty to a charge of being on the island unlawfully between March of 2012 and this Thursday, during which time he unlawfully engaged in gainful employment.

The court heard that last November, acting on information, the Department of Immigration began to investigate the Filipino national’s record and noticed that while he reportedly left the island in December 2011 after his work permit expired, he returned early the following year and there was no record of him departing the island after that. On Wednesday, police attended an auto shop in Ship’s Wharf, St David’s in unmarked police cars. As they approached the business, they saw Bandong working on a car.

He was subsequently arrested, and in a subsequent interview he admitted being on the island illegally and working during that period.

The court heard that the maximum penalty for the offence was a fine of $10,000 and three months in prison on the first occasion, and the court would also be allowed to recommend deportation.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo remanded Bandong into custody with the recommendation that he be deported.

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