The first part of Trowbridge snooker player Stephen Lee’s appeal against a 12 year ban from the sport has been rejected.

The 39-year-old, of Birch Gardens, Hilperton, was given the suspension last September after being found guilty of seven charges of match-fixing dating back to 2008 and 2009.

During the first part of the appeal, which took place earlier this month, Lee’s legal team alleged bias against Adam Lewis QC who oversaw the proceedings which lead to Lee’s conviction last year.

Lee’s legal team claimed that Mr Lewis shouldn't have been able to convict him because he’d represented Leyton Orient Football Club in their battle to with West Ham United Football Club to take over the Olympic Stadium in London.

Leyton Orient’s chairman is Barry Hearn is World Snooker’s chairman. Edwin Glasgow QC, who is overseeing the appeal, rejected the submissions. 

A date for the remainder of Lee’s appeal has yet to be scheduled.