ABE WILLIAMS DENIED LEAVE TO APPEAL

FORMER National Party cabinet minister Abe Williams has been denied leave to appeal against his convictions on corruption and theft charges involving more than R500000. He was present during when his application was argued in the Cape High Court on Tuesday, but took ill during the lunch hour and was not in court for the judgment. Williams’ defence attorney Frikkie Erasmus indicated to the court that he would now petition the Chief Justice for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein. Petitions to the Chief Justice are the final recourse if the High Court refuses leave to appeal. Williams is presently on chronic medication for stress and high blood pressure. He was recently found guilty on 36 charges of theft and four of corruption and was effectively sentenced to three years imprisonment.