Legal News
Jail for former solicitor who provided unlawful immigration advice (12 May 2016)
Date: 12/05/2016
Peter Chahal, 47, of Handsworth Wood in Birmingham pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court to two charges of providing unregulated immigration advice and services between September and October 2015.
The offences related to bail applications for two individuals held at an Immigration Reception Centre. Chahal had been struck off the Solicitor Roll in 2015.
Chahal had been convicted of providing unlawful immigration advice and services in April 2016. As a result of a separate investigation, he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, 11 May 2016 and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently.
On sentencing, His Honour Judge Eyre described his actions as “acting in deliberate defiance of the law, having already been convicted of the same offence”.
“… While on bail awaiting sentence, you chose to defy the law again,” Judge Eyre added.
After sentencing, Deputy Immigration Services Commissioner, Ian Leigh said:
“The OISC is here to ensure that people seeking immigration advice are treated fairly by people they can trust.
“We have clear standards outlining what we expect in terms of the fitness and competence of regulated advisers.
“I am delighted with the outcome of this case – and I hope it sends a clear message to other people considering providing immigration advice: act within the law or you will find yourself in court.”
Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors
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For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis business immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.
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