TWO Iraqi asylum seekers each earned more than £15,000 a year after getting jobs in a Blackburn bakery using forged registration cards.

And Blackburn magistrates were told that one of the men was the best worker they had ever had.

Defence lawyers said nobody had lost out due to the actions of Mohammed Mzgin Hasan and Mohammed Pishtiwan.

But they were each jailed for 14 days after the court was told that as asylum seekers they were not allowed to work or claim benefits.

Hasan, 31, of Audley Range, Blackburn, and Pishtiwan, 23, of Charlotte Street, Blackburn, admitted using a forged asylum registration card and obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

Rachel Adamson, defending Pishtiwan told the court: "Interlink certainly did not lose out by employing him. My client became a line leader and was frequently told by his manager that he was the best employee they had."

Basharat Ditta, defending Hasan, said: "Interlink Foods were delighted with the work of both men. The Inland Revenue received tax. National insurance was paid."

Peter Wild, prosecuting, said both men had claimed asylum, been rejected and all appeal avenues were exhausted. They were issued with asylum seeker registration cards marked "employment prohibited."

But when they applied for work, had cards which stated "employment permitted."

He said Hasan started work at Interlink on October 25, 2004 and earned a total of £33,106 prior to his arrest. When interviewed he said he had bought the card for £50 from someone in Birmingham.

Mr Wild said Pishtiwan started work for Interlink in June 2004 and earned a total of £32,934. He had paid £200 for a card and admitted knowing it was false.

Mr Ditta said Hasan could not return to Iraq due to the political situation. After all asylum appeal processes had been exhausted he was no longer entitled to the £35 a week allowance or any housing.

"He was left with no income or accommodation," said Mr Ditta.

"Many people in the same position turn to a criminal lifestyle."

Miss Adamson said Pishtiwan found himself in desperate circumstances having fled desperate times in his own country.