WATCH: Date set for extradites' £16m fraud trial

Sunday 26 August 2018

The trial of two men, who are facing so many charges related to an alleged £16million fraud it took almost 15 minutes to read them out in court, will take place in March next year.

Both men - Russell King (59) and Paul Barber (55) - are pleading not guilty.

The next stage in the case is a directions hearing in front of a judge, Commissioner Sir John Saunders. This is when the parties involved agree on how to proceed. The prosecution wanted to do that in two weeks’ time, but the defence said that was too soon.

They told the court because Mr King has been so ill he’s been in hospital, and his prison cell has been specially modified, he hasn’t yet been able to discuss issues with his lawyers.

Video: Mr King arriving for an earlier Royal Court hearing.

It’s a very complex case with more than 2,000 pieces of paperwork.

The Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, agreed to the request and a date was set for 12 September.

Mr Barber has been released on £50,000 bail.

Video: Mr Barber shielded his face as he entered court for a previous hearing.

He has to report to his local police station in the UK regularly, can’t travel outside the British Isles without written permission from Jersey’s Attorney General, and is not allowed to directly or indirectly contact any of the witnesses.

Mr King, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, has been remanded in custody.