Refugee Victor Jegede was starting a jail sentence today after getting a passion for the high life.

He fled his native Nigeria, landed work as a security guard and rented a flat in Carlingford Drive, Westcliff.

Jegede, 29, developed such a taste for luxury goods that it resulted in him turning to crime, Basildon Crown Court heard.

Defence barrister Nicola May told how persecuted Jegede was in constant danger in Nigeria after his parents were murdered by the regime two years ago.

His guardian also died mysteriously in prison and Jegede managed to escape by using a false passport.

Miss May said his plea for political asylum in Britain was turned down and an appeal was currently being considered.

Jegede, who is suffering from aggressive TB, was given a 12-month sentence after the court heard how he assumed the identity of another flat resident Kirk Gibson by intercepting his mail.

He used Mr Gibson's letters to obtain more than £8,000 credit from Barclays Bank. He also had credit cards and documents in the name of Mr Gibson.

Jegede, who admitted six counts of obtaining goods by deception, bought a TV set, video recorder, washing machine and other expensive electrical goods.

He splashed out on designer clothing, paying more than £250 for leather trousers and £60 for shoes.

The Nigerian was eventually brought to book when Mr Gibson noticed "debts" mounting. Jegede was later picked out at an identification parade by bank workers.

He spent five months in custody, during which time his girlfriend was pregnant and one of her daughters by a previous relationship died.

Judge Philip Clegg told Jegede he had been "deliberate and dishonest" in swindling Mr Gibson. He also took a dim view of him swindling simply to obtain luxury goods.

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