Paul Pisasale, a Singaporean woman and lawyer Cameron James McKenzie are appealing their convictions for plotting to take money from the woman's ex-boyfriend.

Former Ipswich mayor Pisasale befriended Yutian Li after using her escort services and later tried to help her dishonestly demand up to $10,000 from Sydney taxi driver Xin Li.

Appeals lodged by Pisasale, Yutian Li and McKenzie were heard in the Brisbane Court of Appeal on Thursday.

Their legal teams argued the jury who found them guilty in July should have been given more help navigating some issues through appropriate directions from the trial judge.

Pisasale had told the trial he believed Yutian Li should be reimbursed by Xin Li for the financial losses she experienced after uprooting her life to be with Xin Li, only for their relationship to fail.

He also believed Xin Li owed her the cost of an investigation which uncovered he was married during their relationship.

But the jury rejected his testimony, siding with prosecutors who argued Xin Li owed Yutian Li nothing and Pisasale's pursuit of him was dishonest.

In court on Thursday, Pisasale's lawyer argued his client had sought advice from McKenzie to make sure his actions at the time didn't amount to blackmail.

Pisasale was convicted of extortion and sentenced to two years behind bars in July.

McKenzie wrote a letter to Xin Li demanding money intended for Yutian Li.

He says he was acting on Pisasale's instructions when he wrote that letter, but was convicted of extortion and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Meanwhile, Yutian Li claims there is no evidence she encouraged the financial demands. She was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

A decision will be handed down at a later date.

Australian Associated Press