Bribery Act & Proceeds of Crime - Written by on Friday, October 14, 2011 15:00 - 0 Comments

Open & shut: Bribery Act conviction after News International sting

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Munir Patel a former magistrates’ court administrative officer admitted taking a £500 bribe to “get rid” of a speeding charge and was convicted of bribery under Section 2 of the Bribery Act and misconduct in public office at Southwark Crown Court today.

Gaon Hart, Senior Crown Advocate for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:

“Public corruption is an extremely serious offence that undermines public faith in the integrity of those who work in the criminal justice system. The prosecution case is that Patel abused his position as a court administrative officer at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court in East London, to solicit a bribe from a member of the public.

“Public servants are required to act with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality but Patel’s actions could not have been further from each of these. His conduct has brought into disrepute the criminal justice system as he sought to undermine the very laws which he was employed to uphold. The public rightly expects criminal cases to be dealt with fairly and professionally, and the police, courts and CPS have all worked together to deal with this case swiftly and robustly.

This prosecution is the first of its kind under the Bribery Act 2010 which has provided a significant weapon in the armoury of prosecutors that enables us to focus on the bribery element rather than general misconduct behaviour. We will continue to target those who act corruptly purely for personal gain and tailor the charge to reflect their wrong-doing.”

Sentencing is on 11 November.

 

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