Fraud barrister faces prison after chambers theft

Appearing at Leeds Crown Court on Friday (13 January) David Friesner, previously deputy head at Manchester-based 9 St John Street Chambers, was told by Mr Justice Singh he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

Friesner had been a successful barrister at 9 St John Street Chambers for 14 years before leaving in 2009 following the allegations. He admitted to stealing the money between 1 October 2008 and 25 November 2009.

However, he denied a further count of stealing £13,453.75 from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

For the defence, 3 Searjeants’ Inn’s John Beggs QC applied for Friesner to be given unconditional bail which was granted by Singh J ahead of sentencing, to be heard on 10 February.

During his career as a barrister Friesner built his reputation successfully prosecuting fraud cases at crown courts across the North of England.

In 2008 Friesner acted on the high-profile prosecution of former solicitor Thomas McGoldrick who was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for stealing more than a million pounds from a disabled client (15 February 2008).