Notorious lawyer held

AN ITALIAN lawyer dubbed the “devil’s advocate” for representing some of the most notorious criminals has been arrested in Spain on a British warrant.

Giovanni di Stefano, 55, was held in a mansion in Palma, Majorca.

He is wanted by detectives at City of London Police in connection with a lengthy fraud inquiry dating back several years.

One source close to the investigation said a warrant was issued in January after a review of paperwork connected to the case.

Local reports said di Stefano fell ill during his arrest and was admitted to hospital for surgery.

Di Stefano was one of several non-Arab lawyers who acted as consultants to the team that defended deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Earlier this month it emerged he has agreed to represent murderer Charles Manson who is challenging his conviction.

In Britain, he represented Ronnie Biggs, ruthless property developer Nicholas van Hoogstraten, and killer Jeremy Bamber.