Bribery Act 2010 – First Conviction

A former court administrative officer, Mr Munir Yakub Patel, suggested that he could “get rid” of a speeding charge. He pleaded guilty to accepting a £500 bribe in exchange for omitting to record a traffic offence on a court database and was convicted under the Bribery Act of requesting and receiving a bribe intending to improperly perform his functions as well as misconduct in a public office. Mr Patel was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for bribery and to 6 years imprisonment for misconduct in a public office.
The decision, and the severity of the sentence, emphasises that the Courts will take any instances of bribery or corruption seriously and any person who is prosecuted under the Bribery Act may expect serious consequences.
For advice on compliance with the Bribery Act 2010 contact Morag Christoffersen or Katie Williams.