Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
On 22 October 2014 Phillip Watson, 48, of Liverpool, appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court and was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, a 10 week curfew between 9pm-6am was imposed and was ordered to pay the prosecution costs of 2,009 and compensation of 3,000.
Watson had earlier pleaded guilty to two offences of illegally providing immigration advice and services at Liverpool Magistrates court on 30 September 2014.
In sentencing, District Judge Clancy said:
This is an extremely serious matter. I didnt believe any of your evidence, you were clearly lying. Your performance under Oath was a disgrace and some of the devices that you tried to employ in your evidence were astonishing.
Speaking about the decision, the Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said:
The OISC is here to ensure that people seeking immigration advice are treated fairly by people they can trust who are fit and competent. Watson chose to operate outside the law.
I hope that the outcome of this case sends a clear message to others who may be considering providing immigration advice, either act within the law or you will find yourself in court.