Asif files appeal against conviction
Jailed Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Asif has filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence after changing his legal defense team.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: November 23, 2011 05:11 PM IST
Jailed Pakistani cricketer Mohammed Asif has filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence after changing his legal defense team.
Prominent defence Barrister Ravi Sukul of Balham Chambers, South London, has been instructed by Asif to represent him in all matters that relate to his appeal against his conviction, according to media reports.
Ravi Sukul confirmed that Balham Chambers will be responsible for the preparation and presentation of Asif's appeal against conviction and sentence.
"My professional services would be provided under the Bar Council's Direct Access rules. That means that there is no requirement for me to be instructed by a solicitor. "I am solely responsible for all matters that relate to the appeal," he said, confirming that appeal documentation has been filed with the Criminal Appeals Office at the Court of Appeal.
Asif was handed a one-year jail term for his role in spot-fixing during the 2010 Lord's Test against England.
Asif's appeal hearing will be delayed by a short period by reason of the change of his legal representatives. The basis of Asif's appeal would include the argument that the Judge may have fallen into error in some of the rulings he made during the trial.
According to media reports, Savita Sukul, the principal solicitor and proprietor of SJS Solicitors in South London, has been instructed to act for, and represent Asif in his immigration matters.
Mrs Sukul has confirmed that she has been instructed by the fast bowler. The UK visas held by Asif and Salman Butt have expired. Technically, they both could face deportation to Pakistan at the completion of their prison term.
Asif has already spoken to his new legal team and a meeting was held recently at Canterbury prison where he is in custody with Butt.