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Forster Sentencing Delayed

CONFUSION surrounds the likely fate of crooked ex-lawyer Kennedy Forster.

The former senior partner in a Stranraer legal firm was due to appear for sentencing at the High Court today (Thursday) on fraud charges.

The Free Press understands, however, that the case is likely to be postponed for at least another month - as his defence counsel is double booked.

One of Forster's many victims lashed out at the delay in sentencing, saying:

"It stinks."

A legal source this week said:

"Forster is due to appear on Thursday but the understanding is that the case will be put back due to the unavailability of his defence counsel."

It is understood that the counsel, top QC Paul McBride, has a case at the Privy Council, one of only a few courts in the land which take priority over High Court hearings.

It is now thought that Forster, who was originally due to be sentenced in December, will re-appear for sentence in mid-March.

A victim of Forster's fraud this week hit out at the delay. The local, who asked not to be named, said:

"If this was Joe Public he would have been locked up by now. These delays look very suspicious. It stinks."