An attempt to further delay a trial for fraud and theft by an immigration advisor's legal team failed on Thursday as a judge set a fixed date for the trial.
Guernsey resident Angelique Blin, who is facing seven counts of fraud with seven alternative charges of theft relating to money transfers of £16,000, had tried to argue that as she was already committed for trial in London's Southwark Crown Court, the end of that trial would be too close to the beginning of the trial in Guernsey's Royal Court.
The judge disagreed setting the trial for the 7th June.The charges in Guernsey relate to allegations that Blin had, through her company Overseas Angels, taken money off foreign born clients promising to prepare and submit applications for them to either enter the UK, or further remain in the UK, on work visas/permits or as students, and not supplying the said services. Blin's Guernsey lawyer, advocate Jessica Rowland, argued that another trial she (Blin) is facing in London which is set to begin on 3rd May would not give her enough time to prepare for the Guernsey trial. Mrs Rowland stated she had been advised by Blin's UK lawyers that the London trial may continue until 24th May. However Crown prosecutor, advocate Fiona Russell, informed the court that prosecutors in London had said that trial was only expected to last at most five days.
Judge Russell Finch stated he was not prepared to move the trial date commenting "I would be very reluctant to delay this any further."
It is expected that the trial in Guernsey will last approximately ten days.
The charges Blin is facing in London are being brought by the Offices of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). These are two charges of providing services and one of providing advice contrary to Section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1991.
The OISC regulate visa and immigration advice companies in the UK and all companies and individuals who offer such services must be registered with the OISC with exception of lawyers. Miss Blin was suspended in late 2006 from that register and an application to appeal that suspension was withdrawn by Blin before that appeal was to be heard in 2007.
Blin, 48, of flat 3, 5 Paris St, St Peter Port, Guernsey has pleaded not guilty and had bail continued.
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