A Hull man has received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to providing unregulated immigration advice.

Gary Pounder, 59, of Orchard Park Estate, Hull, was sentenced three months’ imprisonment (suspended for 12 months) and ordered to repay costs to the victims at Hull & Holderness Magistrates Court on December 10.

In September 2020, Mr Pounder admitted to providing illegal immigration advice or services following an investigation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) in which three unrelated individuals confirmed Mr Pounder gave them unregulated advice for which he charged fees.

Mr Pounder’s actions meant that the victims had their immigration status put at risk, including one victim who following advice from Mr Pounder, found he inadvertently applied for a travel document rather than seeking leave to remain. Another had been incorrectly informed of the fees required by the Home Office to cover his application which was subsequently rejected. The third victim’s application was refused as insufficient evidence had been supplied.

Immigration Service Commissioner John Tuckett said, “Gary Pounder was not regulated and misled his clients. The impact on the victims and sentence given to Mr Pounder clearly demonstrates the importance of only providing immigration advice if you are lawfully qualified to do so.”

Notes to editor

1. The OISC is an independent public body, established under the Immigration and Asylum Act (IAA) 1999, to regulate the provision of immigration advice and services in the UK.
2. Section 91 of the IAA 1999 creates a criminal offence of providing immigration advice, contrary to section 84 of the IAA 1999.
3. Media queries to Cornelius Alexander, Corporate Communications Business Partner on 0207 211 1167 or communications@oisc.gov.uk.