We have decided that Munir Yakub Patel should be prosecuted under the Bribery Act 2010 in relation to allegations of misconduct during his employment at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court, Ilford, London. He is the first person to be prosecuted under the new Act.
Patel, an administrative clerk, faces a charge under Section 2 of the Act for requesting and receiving a bribe intending to improperly perform his functions.
Gaon Hart, reviewing lawyer for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said:
“It is alleged that Patel promised an individual summonsed for a motoring offence that he could influence the course of criminal proceedings in exchange for £500, on 1 August 2011.
“I have reviewed all of the evidence gathered by the police and considered the Director of Public Prosecution’s guidelines on the Bribery Act. I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence to charge Munir Patel with requesting and receiving a bribe on 1 August 2011 intending to improperly perform his functions.
“Patel has already been charged with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice. He still faces these charges, which relate to other alleged misconduct during his employment.”
The charge under the Bribery Act will be put to Patel at Southwark Crown Court on 14 October 2011.
Background
- The Bribery Act 2010 came into force on 1 July 2011.
- The Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office have issued guidelines to prosecutors on the Act.
- Section 2(1) states that a person is guilty of an offence if they request, agree to receive, or accept a financial or other advantage intending that a relevant function or activity should be performed improperly. The maximum sentence for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment at the Crown Court.
- The Director of Public Prosecutions consented to this charge on 26 August 2011.
- Munir Yakub Patel was charged with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice on 4 August 2011.
