EDL leader jailed for using friend’s passport on trip to United States

Stephen Lennon, 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a false identity document with improper intention, contrary to the Identity Documents Act 2010, at Southwark Crown Court, London

Lennon used a passport in the name of Andrew McMaster to board a Virgin Atlantic Flight from Heathrow to New York, but was caught out after his fingerprints were taken by customs officials.

He left the airport and entered the US illegally but left the country the following day, using his own passport to return to the UK.

The court heard that Lennon, who had previously been refused entry to the US, used his friend’s passport to travel to the country in September.

He used a self check-in kiosk to board the Virgin Atlantic flight at Heathrow, and was allowed through when the document was checked in the bag drop area.

But when he arrived at New York’s JFK Airport, customs officials who took his fingerprints realised he was not Mr McMaster.

Lennon was asked to attend a second interview but left the 
airport, entering the US 
illegally. He stayed just one night and travelled back to the UK the following day using his own legitimate passport.

The court heard the name Paul Harris appears on his passport, although he uses aliases.

The court heard he was previously jailed for assault in 2005 and also has previous convictions for drug and public order offences.

In mitigation, Giles Cockings said Lennon had not stolen the passport, and had only used it for a day. He had pleaded guilty straightaway.