Billionaire brothers named as witnesses

Lorry driver Anthony Lee is standing trial at Southwark Crown Court in London together with two others who have been charged over the alleged fraud involving the world-renowned hotel.

Sir Frederick Barclay, who owns the landmark building with his twin brother Sir David, and Sir David's son Howard, were on a list of 18 intended witnesses that was read out to potential jurors yesterday at the start of the four-week trial.

Solicitor Conn Farrell, 57, retired construction company contracts manager Patrick Dolan, 68, and Lee, 49, all deny conspiracy to defraud.

The three are accused of defrauding Terence Collins and Marcel Boerkhoorn by falsely representing that Dolan and Lee were in a position to procure the sale of The Ritz for 250m between January 1, 2006, and March 30, 2007.

Lee, of Broad Lane, Beal, Goole in East Yorkshire, Dolan, of Philip Lane, Tottenham, north London, and Farrell, of Cambridge Road, Aldershot, have all been granted bail.

Judge Stephen Robbins told Southwark Crown Court that a panel of 12 jurors is due to be sworn in today.

Anuja Dhir, for the prosecution, is expected to begin outlining the case against the defendants after that.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police oversaw the inquiry into the alleged fraud – which saw entrepreneur Mr Collins duped into thinking he could pick up the exclusive five-star hotel in London's Piccadilly for the bargain price.

The money for the deal was provided to Mr Collins by Dutch businessman and financier Mr Boerkhoorn.