HOME was a cramped cellar beneath a Chinese restaurant. While their employers were netting “large profits,” their poorly paid illegal immigrants slept in four beds crammed into a small basement room below their workplace.

But the tables finally turned on two men who ran Top Wok restaurants in Christchurch, Bournemouth and Parkstone.

Ringo Hon, 45, and Ronnie Luke, 42, who employed 20 illegal immigrants between them at restaurants in Barrack Road, Exeter Road and Bournemouth Road received fines and confiscation orders totalling more than £90,000.

“These employers make large profits on the back of low wages and the very poor living conditions that they provide for their work-ers,” said DC Morn Um-Morn of the Dorset Police economic crime unit.

“For example, Luke had four beds crammed into a single, small room in the cellar of his business in Exeter Road.”

The convictions at Bournemouth Crown Court were the result of a joint operation between Dorset Police and the UK Border Agency.

The operation was carried out in 2007 and since then the Barrack Road restaurant has been sold – it is now under new management.

The two men were once business partners; the reason their restaurants shared the same name. Hon, who ran the Barrack Road restaurant, pleaded guilty to 14 offences of employing illegal immigrants and was ordered to pay £35,961 in a confiscation order.

Luke admitted six similar charges and was ordered to pay a £38,320 confiscation order and a £3,000 fine. Both must pay up within six months or face a 12-month prison sentence.

DC Morn Um-Morn said new laws mean anyone convicted in the future will face even tougher penalties, including up to two years behind bars.

“This result should serve as a deterrent to any employer who currently employs – or intends to employ – illegal immigrants. These operations aim to target the main beneficiaries from the employment of illegal workers – the employers.”