Disgraced Lawyer Phil Shiner Avoids Jail for Legal Aid Fraud in Iraq War Cases

Phil Shiner, previously struck off as a solicitor, received a suspended sentence for fraud linked to false allegations against British soldiers.

Phil Shiner, 67, admitted to three counts of fraud related to legal aid claims made in 2007 to fund cases alleging war crimes by British soldiers in Iraq.
He was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence by Southwark Crown Court, avoiding immediate jail time.
Shiner's actions included cold-calling potential clients in Iraq and paying referral fees, both of which violated legal aid contract rules.
A public inquiry later determined that the most serious allegations of torture and murder made by Shiner's firm were unfounded and based on deliberate lies.
Shiner's fraud cost taxpayers millions, with the inquiry alone amounting to £24 million, while his legal aid contract was valued at £3 million.