A MIGRANT was charged with working as a Deliveroo driver for the first time since a Sun probe exposed the black market — but failed to deliver himself to court.
Matheus De Lima Souza, 21, no showed a hearing at Staines magistrates’ court yesterday morning over claims he acted as an e-bike delivery rider twice in February.
A migrant charged with working illegally as a Deliveroo driver has failed to attend courtAlamy
Prosecutors say that at the time he was prohibited from working “by reason of immigration status”.
Court records show the alleged offences took place in Surrey on February 17 and February 28.
He is charged with working “as a fast food delivery rider for Deliveroo when disqualified by reason of immigration status”.
If convicted, he could face six months in prison.
Deliveroo could also be hit with fines by the Home Office.
It is only the second time someone has been charged with working illegally as a fast food delivery driver in the last six months.
The 10am hearing did not go ahead yesterday at the Surrey court and District Judge Warner issued a warrant for his arrest.
It is unclear if Mr De Lima Souza is in the country illegally or if he is accused of breaking the terms of a visa.
His address was given as a farm in Egham, Surrey, just three miles from the court where he declined to appear.
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