Crooked lawyer who admitted fraudulent legal aid claims against British soldiers has sentencing delayed

A CROOKED lawyer who admitted legal aid fraud involving false claims against British soldiers has had his sentencing delayed by a week.

Phil Shiner, 67, faces up to ten years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to three fraud counts in September.

PA

Phil Shiner, 67, faces up to ten years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to three fraud counts in September[/caption]

Alamy

Shiner hid the fact that the complainants alleging murder and torture by British troops were ­provided by an agent making cold calls[/caption]

 Shiner pursued cases against British soldiers accused of ill treatment of Iraqi detainees after the 2003 Iraq war.

He hid the fact that the complainants alleging murder and torture by British troops were ­provided by an agent making cold calls.

Shiner, of Birmingham — who was struck off in 2017 over 12 misconduct charges — illegally claimed £200,000 for his firm to represent clients.

At the time of his conviction, Andy Kelly, head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, said: “This conviction is a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex domestic and international investigation.

“Shiner’s actions resulted in untold pressure and anxiety on members of the British Armed Forces, pursuing legal challenges funded through dishonest actions.”

One soldier recently told how he attempted suicide after the tank-chasing lawyer’s war crime lies.

Shiner was due to be sentenced yesterday.

But the judge was not available so the hearing has been put back at Southwark crown court to next Tuesday.