A former kitchen worker at Smiths of Smithfield has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after a robbery at the London restaurant during which a member of staff was held at gunpoint.

Nigerian-born illegal immigrant Clement Eguaba worked as a porter at the restaurant run by MasterChef judge John Torode.

He and accomplice Rex Asiriuwa escaped with £1,000 after robbing the eaterie last July.

Asiriuwa was caught on CCTV pointing a gun at the head of a co-worker in an attempt to get her to open the restaurant's safe.  However, the pair were interrupted and forced to flee the scene.

Harrow Crown Court heard that Eguaba had been deported to Nigeria in 2003 after entering Britain illegally. He returned on a visitor's passport and found work at Smiths of Smithfield.

Eguaba pleaded not guilty but was convicted of conspiracy to rob and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Judge David Mole recommended both defendants for deportation after they have served their sentences.

Marco Pierre White to sue Gordon Ramsay over book theft >>

Security guard attacked as he disturbed a robbery at Old Course Hotel >>

Masterchef: An interview with John Torode and Gregg Walace >>

Smith of Smithfield website >>

Oxtail ravioli with ginger duck broth by John Torode >>

Celebrity chefs snubbed on top 10 cookbook list >>

By Kerstin Kühn

E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.