SFO challenges Guinness appeal

SFO challenges Guinness appeal

The Serious Fraud Office has moved to block convicted fraudster and former chairman of Guinness, Ernest Saunders' legal bid to clear his name.

Saunders, stockbroker Anthony Parnes and head of the Heron empire Gerald Ronson, were convicted for their actions at the time of the Pounds 2.6bn takeover bid made by Guinness for rival drinks company Distillers. Three judges are due to hear their cases later this year after the Criminal Cases Review Commission referred the case to the Court of Appeal.

But in a exceptional move, the SFO is seeking High Court permission to challenge the CCRC’s decision.

The SFO argues the commission acted outside its powers in referring the case on the basis of a change in the law, which occurred a decade after the convictions.

The appeals will now not take place until October rather than July, although Lyons’ case may be dealt with sooner due to ill health.

Links

Guinness convictions to face appeal court grilling

Share

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Resources & Whitepapers

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folders and Embrace Metadata
Professional Services

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folders and Embrace Metadata

3y

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folde...

In the past decade, the professional services industry has transformed significantly. Digital disruptions, increased competition, and changing market ...

View resource
2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professional Services Firms

2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professional Services Firms

3y

2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professi...

In recent months, professional services firms are facing more pressure than ever to deliver value to clients. Often, clients look at the firms own inf...

View resource
Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine
Accounting Firms

Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine

3y

Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine

In a world of instant results and automated workloads, the potential for AP to drive insights and transform results is enormous. But, if you’re still ...

View resource
Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021
Making Tax Digital

Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021

3y

Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021

The first phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD) saw the requirement for the digital submission of the VAT Return using compliant software. That’s now behi...

View resource