AN Algerian journalist has been jailed after spending nearly 20 years living in the UK using a false passport.

Reda Kebaili, of Floathaven Close, Thamesmead, was sentenced to nine months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of a false identity document at Woolwich Crown Court.

The 42-year-old fled Algeria in 1989 in fear of his life after working as a journalist on a newspaper.

He entered Britain using a forged French passport in a false name, which he bought for £40 in Holland.

The court heard he found work as a labourer, paid tax and national insurance and got married.

He was exposed in March when he applied to Greenwich Council for housing and council tax benefits, and was arrested on May 14.