The trial of Michael Bright and two former directors of the collapsed Independent Insurance is expected to begin around Easter next year and last as long as six months.
At a preliminary hearing at Southwark Crown Court today the timetable for the forthcoming trial of Michael Bright ex-chairman, Philip Condon, deputy managing director, and Dennis Lomas, finance director, was set out.
The trio are accused of defrauding directors, shareholders, auditors and customers in the lead-up to the company's collapse, by lying about the true extent of its liabilities.
They have indicated pleas of not guilty.
The prosecution was brought following an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, in conjunction with the City of London Police Economic Crime Department, into the affairs of Independent, which went into liquidation in June 2001.
A further preparatory hearing is expected at the end of July.
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
