7 days ago
Politician to appear in Jersey Magistrate's Court for 'alleged offences under the Immigration Act'
Watch Deputy Ozouf's full statement to the Assembly on Wednesday. Footage courtesy of Jersey States
A longstanding Jersey politician has announced that he is facing criminal charges.
Deputy Philip Ozouf - who previously served as the island's Assistant Chief Minister - read out a personal statement at the opening of Wednesday's States' meeting to say he is due to appear in the Magistrate's Court at the end of this week.
He says it is in connection with alleged offences under the Immigration Act, relating to the employment of Rwandan nationals.
He added: "Given that this matter is subject to judicial proceedings, I will not be making any further comment at this time - except to confirm that I will cooperate fully with the process."
Deputy Ozouf extended his apologies as one of the island's most experienced politicians.
He said: "As a long-serving member of this Assembly, fully cognisant of the need to uphold the highest standards of conduct in both public and private life, I express regret that this matter has arisen and how it may reflect on this Assembly.
"I express a similar regret to my constituents in St Saviour."
The specific charges faced by Deputy Ozouf are not known.
