An accountant who gave unlicensed immigration advice to her clients has avoided jail.

Aysel Engulzekli, 55, of Hertford Road, Enfield, was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for two years at the Old Bailey, on Friday, May 13.

Engulzekli, a Turkish national, pleaded guilty to four charges of providing unregulated immigration advice, and was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, £1,000 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

The court heard as well as helping with her client’s accounts as ADA Associates, she would offer advice on dealing with immigration officials.

Sentencing, Judge Lithman said one person’s status in the UK was in danger when they had acted on Engulzekli’s advice, after their application was refused.

He said: “I regard these offences as serious. Immigrants often find themselves in a vulnerable position, the last thing they need is an unqualified person setting themselves up to provide immigration advice and services.

“He had no idea of whether you gave correct advice. You have aptly demonstrated what can happen when unqualified individuals hold out as an immigration adviser.

“You should be ashamed of yourself.”