Appeal may not be held before Lyons freed

Businessman Anthony Lyons, who was convicted earlier in the year of sexual assault, may be released from prison before the hearing on the leniency of the sentence imposed has been heard.

The DPP applied for a priority hearing date at the Court of Criminal Appeal on Wednesday, but yesterday Mr Justice Aidan Hardiman heard from barrister Lorcan Steins that defence counsel Patrick Gageby has commenced a murder trial and may not be available on Dec 12, the date recommended by the court.

Counsel for the State, Kerida Naidoo, told the court submissions have been filed and a transcript of the trial can be available for the defence by Friday.