Convicted fraudster Gillian Balban set to have appeal process begin next month

Convicted fraudster Gillian Balban is set to have her appeal process begin on the 25th September.

Previously, GBC reported that the full appeal itself was set for that date; however, a hearing on a procedural point will be held first, with the appeal itself expected to be heard later on.

Balban is currently serving seven and a half years in prison for covering up a £2 million hole in the accounts of Natwest Bank.

She claims she did not receive a fair trial and that her convictions should be thrown out.

Gillian Balban was found guilty on seven counts relating to fraud in May last year, following a ten week trial.

In her appeal, she accuses puisne judge, Liam Yeats – who presided over her trial – of serious irregularities.  She claims Mr Justice Yeats failed to adequately direct the jury on various matters, and failed to control the conduct of her ex-colleagues and their families in the gallery during the trial.  Balban accuses them of being highly emotional and vociferous, claiming they were clearly trying to intimidate and influence the jury.

A further claim made in the appeal filings is that the foreman of the jury failed to reveal that he was a colleague of one of the prosecution witnesses.

(This story has been amended.)