Trowbridge snooker star Stephen Lee has been banned for 12 years and fined £40,000 after being found guilty of seven match-fixing charges.

Adam Lewis QC, who oversaw the independent enquiry, announced the punishment this morning.

Lee, 38, can appeal the decision under World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) rules.

Lee has been suspended since October 2012 with his ban coming into force from that date. He will not be able to participate in the sport until October 12, 2024.

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman, said: "We take no pride in having to deal with such serious issues. However this demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that snooker is free from corruption.

“It is an important part of our anti-corruption approach that players found to be involved in fixing matches or any aspect of a match are severely dealt with. We work closely with partners globally and the message we are sending is that if you get involved in match fixing you will be found out and removed from the sport."

Lee was found guilty of match-fixing following a hearing which took place between September 9 and 11.

The charges related to seven matches, between 2008 and 2009, involving Lee.

The enquiry found that Lee, who denied the allegations, was the subject of irregular betting from groups of people connected to his former sponsor Paul Jones, a financial advisor from Stourbridge-based business Prosperity, former manager Neil Clague, and friend Ian McDougall, who lives in Staverton.

The groups won around £97,000 from their registered bets of £111,000 with £40,000 being transferred into the bank account of Lee’s wife Laura.