Phil Shiner, a 67-year-old former human rights lawyer, has pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud related to allegations made against British veterans of the Iraq War. Shiner, who previously led Public Interest Lawyers, appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he formally admitted his guilt.
Background of the Case
The fraud charges stem from Shiner's actions in 2007 when he sought nearly 200,000 in legal aid from the Legal Services Commission to represent clients, including Khuder Al-Sweady, in a judicial review application. The allegations involved claims of torture and murder against British soldiers, which were later found to be 'completely baseless and entirely fabricated.'
The investigation revealed that Shiner had secured approximately 3 million through the legal aid contract, while the subsequent Al-Sweady inquiry cost UK taxpayers around 24 million. It was also discovered that Shiner had neglected to disclose that an agent was acting on his behalf, making unsolicited calls to potential clients in Iraq.
Additionally, Shiner failed to disclose the payment of referral fees, a practice prohibited when securing a legal aid contract. He was also found guilty of submitting a witness statement obtained through unsolicited contact, which supported his application for legal aid.
Consequences and Impact
Shiner's misconduct has had significant consequences, particularly for the British Armed Forces. Andy Kelly, the head of the National Crime Agency's International Corruption Unit, noted that Shiner's actions caused 'immense stress and anxiety' for the soldiers who faced legal challenges funded through deceitful means.
Shiner was previously disbarred by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in 2017 for advancing unfounded claims of torture and murder against British soldiers. His sentencing for the current fraud charges is scheduled for December 2.
