Two weeks ago, the shamed 35-year-old tycoon was given a 43 month sentence after admitting telling lies to obtain mortgage loans totaling £1,287,955.

Hughes, of Kilmacolm, has begun the process of appealing against Sheriff Alan Mackenzie’s sentence.

He has also lodged an application to be released from prison, pending the outcome of his appeal. A judge is expected to decide next week whether or not to let the father-of-four return to his family.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how Hughes falsely included income from wife Jacqueline’s interior design business on applications for loans to buy property in Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm.

He also admitted money laundering charges arising from the sale of the Bridge of Weir property and splashing out £30,000 towards a Rolex gold watch.

The court was previously told that in January 2004 Hughes applied for a self-certified mortgage in his wife’s name for £429,955 claiming she was self-employed and owned McDonald Interiors.

Based on the information given to a mortgage broker the application was completed and granted.

The purchase of 5 Juniper Avenue, Bridge of Weir was finalised in March 2004.

Before buying the property at 3 The Avenue, Kilmacolm, Mrs Hughes began divorce proceedings and court papers stated she was financially dependant on Barry Hughes.

The court was told that in November 2006 Hughes paid a deposit of £25,000 to reserve Kilmacolm plot.

After the date of entry was postponed when money wasn’t transferred, Hughes went to the previous mortgage broker and arranged for a loan to be taken out in his wife’s name. A further mortgage application was later made to the Bank of Scotland for £858,000.

It claimed Mrs Hughes was the 100 per cent owner of McDonald Interiors and, in the 2004, 2005 and 2006, had earned between £160,000 and £224,000.

Procurator fiscal depute Bernard Ablett said: “The total amount of loans obtained by the accused as a result of the false statements in the application forms amounts to £1,287,955.” On October 16, 2007 the Bridge of Weir property was sold for £700,000 resulting in Hughes receiving £128,885 criminal property.

Sheriff Mackenzie told Hughes he had made extravagant claims to secure very substantial loans.

No date has yet been set for any appeal hearing.