eBay Wig and Robe Briefly Put ‘Barrister’ in Business

A onetime law student had a brief career as a barrister in the United Kingdom, buying his wig and robe on eBay, before he was eventually found out and criminally convicted.

Ian Clegg, 32, charged clients 75 pounds (about $117 in U.S. dollars, at the current exchange rate) for his "very aggressive" courtroom representations, reports the London Times. A prosecutor and court officials eventually became suspicious because of his lack of knowledge of courtroom procedure, and reported him to authorities.

Clegg, who admitted that he had fraudulently claimed to be a barrister, got a two-year jail sentence yesterday from a Durham Crown Court judge.

"While successful barristers can enjoy wealthy lifestyles, the court heard Clegg did not do it for the money—he probably only received a few hundred pounds—but for the kudos and respect he thought he would enjoy as a barrister," reports the Northern Echo.

Clegg has been ordered not to hold himself out again as a barrister, once he gets out of jail.