If there's one thing you obviously learn when
prosecuting fraud cases, it's fraud - and how to do it really, really well.
That is certainly the case with British
barrister David Friesner anyway.
The
Lawyer reports that Friesner, who has been
specialising in prosecuting fraud and money laundering cases for the last 14
years or so, is facing jail time after fessing up to the theft of a cool
£81,500 ($120,000) from his own chambers.
Friesner appeared at Leeds Crown Court
earlier this month and was told by the judge it's likely he'll face some significant
prison time.
Friesner was a successful barrister at 9 St John Street
Chambers before leaving in disgrace in 2009 following allegations of serious
fraud. He admitted to siphoning money between 1 October 2008 and 25 November
2009.
However, he denied allegations of stealing
£13,453.75 ($19,879.35) from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Friesner had built up a fearsome reputation
as a successful prosecutor of fraud cases across the North of England and had
even acted on the prosecution of former solicitor and general scoundrel Thomas
McGoldrick who, in 2008, was sent away for 10 years for stealing over a million
quid from a disabled client.
Friesner was granted unconditional bail
ahead of his hearing on 10 February.
