Post date: Jan 28, 2013 1:7:27 PM
A controversial lawyer known as the "Devil's Advocate" for representing dictators, paedophiles and murderers, finds himself in the dock charged with multiple counts of fraud.
LONDON (JANUARY 28, 2013) (REUTERS) - Giovanni Di Stefano, the lawyer who represented former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, convicted paedophile pop star Gary Glitter and British serial killer Ian Brady, appeared in a London court on Monday (January 28) charged with 28 counts of fraud.
Known as the "Devil's Advocate" due to the nature of some of his previous clients, Italian national Di Stefano is accused of falsely claiming to be a qualified lawyer and mishandling some of his non-famous clients' money.Di Stefano was extradited from Spain to the UK in 2011. He is pleading not guilty.
As he arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Monday morning, Di Stefano posed for photographers, offering a wide smile and making the 'V' for victory sign.
He and his legal team declined to comment on the charges.
The trial is expected to last eight weeks.
The controversial lawyer has also represented Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs and UK serial killer doctor Harold Shipman.