Overview

• Phil Shiner, 67, appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he admitted to three counts of fraud.
• Shiner was formerly the head of Public Interest Lawyers, a firm involved in pursuing claims against British soldiers.
• He sought £200,000 in legal aid funding in 2007, which led to an inquiry costing UK taxpayers £24 million.
• Shiner failed to disclose that agents were cold-calling potential clients and paying referral fees, which violated legal aid contract rules.
• The National Crime Agency stated that Shiner's actions caused significant distress to British armed forces members.