Former Solicitor Jailed For Giving Unlawful Immigration Advice

Friday, 13 May 2016 07:00

Former solicitor jailed for providing unlawful immigration advice between September and October 2015.

Mr Peter Chahal, 47, of Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 13 April 2016 to 2 charges of providing unregulated immigration advice and services between September and October 2015.

The offences related to bail applications for 2 individuals held at an Immigration Reception Centre. Mr Chahal had been struck off the Solicitor Roll in 2015.

Mr Chahal, a serving prisoner recently convicted of providing unlawful immigration advice and services as a result of a separate investigation, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court this week and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on each count concurrent.

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 and whilst on bail awaiting sentence, you chose to defy the law again.”

Speaking about the decision, 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.”

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm