Phil Shiner, a former human rights lawyer, has confessed to fraud charges surrounding a £3 million legal aid contract.
- Shiner’s fraudulent activities were linked to claims after the 2004 ‘Battle of Danny Boy’ involving British soldiers and Iraqi civilians.
- He admitted to misleading legal aid authorities by not disclosing cold-calling practices and unlawful referral payments.
- The Al-Sweady Inquiry, which cleared soldiers of serious allegations, led to Shiner being disqualified in 2017.
- The National Crime Agency views Shiner’s conviction as significant, highlighting the pressure his actions placed on British soldiers.
Phil Shiner, once a prominent human rights lawyer, admitted to committing fraud in a high-profile case at Southwark Crown Court. The charges stem from his dealings with legal aid contracts worth £3 million, linked to claims against British soldiers, post the 2004 Iraq conflict at the ‘Battle of Danny Boy’.
Shiner’s legal aid claims exceeded £200,000, which he obtained under questionable pretences, including representation for Khuder Al-Sweady, whose nephew was allegedly unlawfully killed by British soldiers. Shiner’s firm, Public Interest Lawyers, engaged in unethical practices such as cold-calling clients and paying for referrals, which were not disclosed to the Legal Services Commission, the legal aid body at the time.
This lack of transparency facilitated the attainment of the lucrative legal aid contract. Moreover, Shiner provided false witness statements to support his claims, further underpinning the fraudulent activities.
The Al-Sweady Inquiry, a £24 million investigation, explored serious allegations pertaining to the behaviour of British troops. While it absolved the soldiers of unlawful killing, it acknowledged incidents of detainee mistreatment. Following the findings, Shiner faced 22 charges of professional misconduct and was disbarred by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in 2017.
Andy Kelly from the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit described Shiner’s conviction as a milestone in a complex investigation, acknowledging the stress and anxiety his fraudulent actions imposed on British military personnel. Initially pleading not guilty in 2022, Shiner is scheduled for sentencing in December.
Phil Shiner’s case underscores the severe consequences of legal misconduct and the enduring impact on all parties involved.
