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.”

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