A Hull man has pleaded guilty to three counts of providing unregulated immigration advice, contrary to Section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Gary Pounder, 59, of Orchard Park Estate, Hull, admitted to the offences at Hull & Holderness Magistrates Court on Wednesday 23 September.
Specifically, Mr Pounder gave immigration advice and services even though he did not possess the relevant authorisation, training or qualifications, as required by Section 84 of the 1999 Act.
After receiving local information that this had occurred, the OISC identified and interviewed three independent witnesses who Mr Pounder had met in premises in and around the Hull area between July 2017 and May 2018, where he gave the unlawful immigration advice for which he charged them.
Deputy District Judge Appleyard acknowledging the aggravating factors of vulnerable victims, who were in the country in difficult circumstances, commented that it was “pretty appalling.”
Immigration Commissioner John Tuckett said of the conviction, “Gary Pounder allowed people to put their trust and future in him. This was a serious offence given the impact on the applicants”.
He is due to be sentenced on 10 December to allow for Probation pre-sentencing reports.
Notes to editor
- The OISC is an independent public body, established under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, to regulate the provision of immigration advice and services in the UK.
- For further information contact Victoria Bovill-Lamb, Investigations and Intelligence Team Manager, OISC, on 0207 211 1591.
- Media queries to Cornelius Alexander, Corporate Communications Business Partner, on 0207 211 1167.
