A ZIMBABWEAN woman who used a fake UK driver’s licence and passport to gain employment at a care home has been described as a “model employee” in court.

Sylvia Mushurwa, 42, was spared jail after a judge at the Reading Crown Court said she committed the deception for a “laudable purpose”, and described her choice to care for elderly patients as a “worthwhile job”.

Mushurwa must, however, carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, Judge Lawson-Rogers ruled.

The court heard Mushurwa, who had applied for asylum but was yet to get a decision which would allow her to work, used a fake UK driving licence and passport, and further claimed to be someone else to gain work at Tonna Care Services, based in Whitley, in June 2004.

She was described at a hearing in court as a “model employee” but her deception came to light in February this year and she had to leave the job.

Mushurwa, who was previously housed by the company in Whitewell Close, Arborfield, has since been granted refugee status and is now looking for work.

Defending, Oscar Del Fabbro said Mushurwa had fled Zimbabwe, leaving behind a family who she still provided for.

Passing sentence, Judge Lawson-Rogers said: “I accept you have suffered previously in your home country but when you came here you still recognised an obligation to your family financially and so you sought employment.

“What you did, this court considers to be a very serious offence but having said that you did it for a laudable purpose and the evidence says you have performed your employment very satisfactorily in a worthwhile job.”

He added he did not believe Mushurwa would commit another crime and felt a prison sentence – not even a suspended sentence – would not be necessary.

Mushurwa, who had previously been bailed to a hostel in Norfolk, was ordered to carry out 200 hours community work for a year at the hearing last Friday.