Fake Jailed Barrister Brought Wig and Robes on eBay
Published December 18th, 2008
A man has been jailed for two years at Durham Crown Court after posing as a barrister at a series of court hearings. Ian Clegg had brought his robes and wig on eBay.
During his “very aggressive” appearances on behalf of clients in criminal and civil courts, Clegg pretended to be a qualified barrister who had set up his own law chambers and was friendly with leading judges. Clegg was in fact a failed law student and a convicted fraudster with previous convictions for fraud, including a suspended 12-month prison sentence.
Clegg, from Middlesbrough, admitted two specimen charges of impersonating a barrister and three counts of fraudulently claiming to be a qualified barrister.
Paul Green, for the defence, said that Clegg was a man who “has had difficulties throughout his life”. A psychiatric report had concluded that he needed “long-term psychological work”. Passing sentence, Judge Esmond Faulks said that Clegg was a compulsive liar who “wanted to appear more important than you are. That’s your primary motive, rather than trying to feather your own nest.”
