Basildon Crown Court hears respected Essex solicitor admitted false legal aid claims totalling £14,000
A well-known Essex solicitor has been warned he faces a likely prison sentence after admitting to claiming more than £14,000 in false legal aid expenses.
Umar Kankiya, a respected mental health and criminal law solicitor, appeared before Basildon Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation.
The offences related to claims submitted to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) for travel and other case-related expenses that prosecutors said had never been incurred. The fraudulent claims were made while Kankiya was practising in south Essex and acting for legally aided clients.
The court heard that Kankiya, who was well known in the county’s legal community, submitted the false expense claims over a sustained period. The total amount involved was approximately £14,000.
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Kankiya, who had built a reputation for his work representing vulnerable clients with mental health difficulties, appeared visibly emotional as he entered his guilty pleas.
Judge [name not reported] told him that, given the seriousness of the offences and the breach of professional trust involved, a custodial sentence was likely. Sentencing was adjourned to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence and professional reports.
Prosecutors told the court that the case was brought following an investigation into irregularities in a series of legal aid claims. The false representations were said to have been made deliberately and repeatedly, taking advantage of the trust placed in solicitors who handle publicly funded cases.
Kankiya’s defence counsel said his client fully accepted responsibility for his actions and had cooperated with investigators. The court was told that Kankiya was “deeply remorseful” and that the offences had taken place against a background of personal and professional pressures.
Kankiya was granted unconditional bail ahead of sentencing. The court ordered that reports be prepared on his background and the impact of a potential custodial term.
Outside court, Kankiya declined to comment.
The case has sent ripples through the Essex legal community, where Kankiya was previously regarded as a dedicated advocate for clients facing mental health challenges. Colleagues described him as a “committed and empathetic” practitioner who had handled some of the county’s most complex mental health and criminal law matters.
The Legal Aid Agency declined to comment on the individual case but confirmed that it continues to work closely with enforcement partners to identify and investigate irregular claims. A spokesperson said: “The Legal Aid Agency has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and works with relevant authorities to ensure public funds are protected and recovered wherever possible.”
Kankiya is expected to be sentenced later this month. The case has been referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which is likely to consider disciplinary action once criminal proceedings have concluded.
If convicted, Kankiya faces not only imprisonment but also potential removal from the roll of solicitors.
The sentencing hearing will take place at Basildon Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.