In a case prosecuted by a Local Authority relating to fraudulent applications for Covid Grants, Aqsa Hussain represented SK, a successful businessperson, who faced trial on indictment.

Following robust representations and extensive negotiations for over a year on behalf of SK, on the first day of trial the prosecution finally offered no evidence against Aqsa's client. Not Guilty verdicts were formally entered for SK who had these criminal proceedings looming over them for almost two years.

The case concerned fraudulent applications for two types of Covid Grants: the Small Business Grant and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant. These Grants, administered by Local Authorities, were made available from March 2020 by the government to support businesses as the country went into lockdown. The prosecution pursued this case against several defendants, alleging over £100k worth of fraud between the defendants.

Aqsa was instructed by Dalia Ross at JPC Law.

For more information about Aqsa, please contact Crime Clerk, Jamie Smurthwaite.