Man given suspended sentence after impersonating an immigration barrister

 A man found himself in hot water after attempting to pass himself off as a barrister during an immigration tribunal, only to be swiftly apprehended by court officials who noticed the ruse. 

Cecil Decker, aged 39, went to the lengths of being “sworn in” and filling out documents using the identity of an actual lawyer, Andrew Otchie, at a London appeals tribunal, BBC News reported.  

One glaring discrepancy that raised suspicion was the difference in appearance between Decker and Mr. Otchie, as Decker’s complexion didn’t match that of the real barrister, according to the prosecution. 

Westminster Magistrates’ Court was informed by the prosecution that police contacted the genuine Mr. Otchie, who disclosed receiving inquiries regarding cases he had no knowledge of, indicating the deception might have been ongoing for some time. 

In his defence, Decker’s lawyer, David Freedman, argued that his client gained no financial benefit from the charade, characterising it as a misguided attempt to assist someone. 

Decker, originally from Sierra Leone where his father practiced law, had occasionally accompanied him to court. 

Judge Anthony Woodcock acknowledged Decker’s lack of financial gain but emphasised the seriousness of his actions, highlighting the deception perpetrated within the court’s premises and the potential harm to clients relying on authentic legal representation. 

He noted that while there might have been for altruistic intentions, Decker’s conduct caused inconvenience and potential harm to both the court and the impersonated barrister. 

Decker received a suspended 26-week prison sentence after pleading guilty to impersonating a barrister.