LONDON (WithinTheLaw) - Rahand Raza accepted a string of rental payments for the flat in south London. In his defence he claimed the flat had been sub let without his knowledge and the person had threatened to report him to his landlord, Lewisham Homes. He also cited long term medical conditions as part of his defence.
However, the Tribunal did not accept the argument. It said there was evidence that he planned and organised the operation. Had he been telling the truth, they said, he would have welcomed any assistance in getting the illegal tenant removed. Instead payments went directly to his bank and he used some of the money to make improvements to the property.
While the tribunal accepted his medical condition, it said there were long periods when he was able to work and study and should have been able to reflect on his actions.
In a magistrate’s court in 2018 he pleaded guilty to dishonesty and sub letting the property without the awareness of the landlord. He received a 12 week prison sentence, a two year suspension and had costs awarded of £3,500. He had still been practicing as a lawyer and had unsuccessfully appealed the decision.
(Written by Tom Cropper)