18 November, 2011
Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors is warning local businesses to make sure they fully understand the new UK Bribery Act and put procedures in place to ensure it is adhered to after the first person has been sentenced under the Act.
Having pleaded guilty to charges of Bribery and Misconduct in a Public Office, Mr Munir Patel has been sentenced to a total of six years in prison. The former Court Clerk was found guilty of accepting a £500 bribe to remove a speeding charge. He will serve a 3 year sentence under the Bribery Act and 6 years for misconduct in a public office.
Charlotte Mills, a business law expert at Forbes warns, "This sentence sends out a very clear message to all businesses and demonstrates just how seriously the new Act must be taken. It's only a matter of time before a business or its Directors are given a similar punishment under the Act, local companies must ensure they fully understand the Act and put procedures in place to ensure it isn't breached by any member of staff."
http://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/news/display/943/bribery-act-warning
Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors is warning local businesses to make sure they fully understand the new UK Bribery Act and put procedures in place to ensure it is adhered to after the first person has been sentenced under the Act.
Having pleaded guilty to charges of Bribery and Misconduct in a Public Office, Mr Munir Patel has been sentenced to a total of six years in prison. The former Court Clerk was found guilty of accepting a £500 bribe to remove a speeding charge. He will serve a 3 year sentence under the Bribery Act and 6 years for misconduct in a public office.
Charlotte Mills, a business law expert at Forbes warns, "This sentence sends out a very clear message to all businesses and demonstrates just how seriously the new Act must be taken. It's only a matter of time before a business or its Directors are given a similar punishment under the Act, local companies must ensure they fully understand the Act and put procedures in place to ensure it isn't breached by any member of staff."
http://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/news/display/943/bribery-act-warning
