Refused UK entry as visitor due to conviction not spent

[attohdog]

After Uni, I lived and worked in the UK on a limited residence permit tru arranged marriage. I had issues with my partner and was reported, arrested and convicted with a 10 months sentence to do 5 for illegally remaining in the UK. i did 3 months and voluntarily returned to my country thru IMO.
Its been three years now i have a successful business, im legally married with a child and need to visit the UK on an important business trip.
I applied to the UK and all they said on my refusal letter was "conviction not spent. I am considering petitioning it. Is there a chance it will be granted or shall i forget about the UK forever. Are there any laws that say i should be given?. Please Help

[pennylessinindia]

http://www.yourrights.org.uk/yourrights ... spent.html

is a good reference point

[attohdog]

Thank you pennylessinindia. Ive looked at the website you recommended. the issue is nothing out there is saying whether i should be refused automatically or not. it only talks about the time within which i should have to declare my conviction. i even sent an email the the embassy and they did not tell me straight forward if its an automatic refusal so dont bother reapplying. IT Leaves me confused.

[pennylessinindia]

why not pop your refusal words up and then others can see and may be help
I think it is unlikely you will get a visa until your conviction is spent