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A former Hounslow councillor who provided illegal immigration advice has been spared jail.

Bobbie Wason, of Netley Road, Brentford , purported to be an experienced immigration adviser and charged thousands of pounds for her services.

But she was exposed after a client who lost his case became suspicious and complained to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

Ms Wason was convicted at City of London Magistrates' Court of four counts of providing unregulated immigration advice and services.

She was sentenced at the court on Friday (April 8) to 18 weeks' imprisonment on each count to run concurrently, suspended for two years, meaning she faces jail if she commits another crime within that period.

She was also ordered to pay £600 towards prosecution costs, and a victim surcharge of £80.

Served on Hounslow Council's executive

Ms Wason served on Hounslow Council as a Labour councillor for Hanworth Park from 2002-2006. During that time she was a member of the Labour administration's executive, now known as the cabinet, holding the portfolio for "improving customer care".

Sentencing her, Judge Hannay said: "You need to be clear that these are serious offences that you have pleaded guilty to.

"These offences are aggravated having taken place over a long period of time resulting in clear prejudice to the victims.

"They are also aggravated by your knowing disregard of the statutory regime, and we are alarmed at your misuse of clients’ money.

"However, you have assisted the investigation and returned some of the money, but these matters are so serious that only a custodial sentence will suffice."

'Ms Wason chose to operate outside the law'

Ms Wason charged £3,200 for her services to a client who was seeking to help his son and family obtain leave to remain in the UK.

He became suspicious when the Home Office refused the application, and he complained to the OISC.

The subsequent investigation uncovered a number of similar applications made by Ms Wason over a period of years through her organisation Enough is Enough.

Dr Ian Leigh, deputy immigration services commissioner, said: "We have clear standards outlining what we expect in terms of the fitness and competence of regulated advisers. Ms Wason chose to operate outside the law.

"I am delighted with the outcome of this case, and I hope this sends a clear message to other people considering providing immigration advice - either act within the law or you will find yourself in court."