A MAN fighting deportation, caught in possession of a forged immigration card on the Isle of Wight, has been sentenced.

Anthony Kwaramba, of Whitelaw Road, Southampton, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old admitted possessing a false residents' permit in Newport, on January 2.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court Kwaramba had been booked into custody on a completely unrelated matter.

She said police found an immigration card in his property ­— inside his wallet ­— which stated he had indefinite leave to remain in the country until November, 2029.

Ms Miller said, when police checked the national computer, it showed he was in the process of being deported, and when the immigration department were contacted, they confirmed the ID was a forgery.

In police interview, Kwaramba admitted the ID was counterfeit.

Jim Osborne, defending, said Kwaramba pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and was co-operative with police.

He said he was fighting deportation, and had a wife and two children who all possessed British passports.

Mr Osborne said Kwaramba's wife was suffering from mental health issues and he was her carer.

The court heard Kwaramba's immigration status expired in 2014, and at that time, he had to hand back his ID card.

Mr Osborne said Kwaramba was embarrassed, being constantly asked for ID when out with his children, and that was the reason behind him getting a forgery.

Kwaramba was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.