Becky Watts killers received £400,000 in legal aid
The killers of Bristol teenager Becky Watts were granted
more than £400,000 in legal aid, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
Becky, 16, was murdered by her stepbrother during a
sexually-motivated kidnapping on 19 February last year.
Nathan Matthews was jailed for life and his girlfriend
Shauna Hoare was given 17 years for manslaughter.
The Ministry of Justice said the figure reflected all of
Matthews' costs but further bills were due for Hoare.
Becky was reported missing on 19 February 2015 and her
remains were found in suitcases in a shed nearly two weeks later.
Her aunt, Sarah Broom, said the family was disgusted that
Matthews and Hoare are seeking to appeal against their convictions and sentences,
which would cost the taxpayer even more money.
Matthews was granted £324,549 in legal aid, which included
£2,261 before the trial, £180,808 for a solicitor during the trial and £141,479
for an advocate.
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Becky Watts' family
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Hoare received £1,044 before the trial, £6,987 for a
solicitor during the trial and £69,668 for an advocate.
Anyone facing a crown court trial is eligible for legal aid,
subject to a means test.
A spokeswoman for the Law Society said: "The purpose of
the criminal court system is to ensure justice for all by convicting the guilty
and protecting the innocent.
"Criminal legal aid is critical for ensuring that
anyone accused of wrongdoing has a fair trial.
"Of those who plead not guilty in the crown court, well
over half are acquitted, which is why people accused of wrongdoing must be
given access to good quality legal help, whatever their means.
Becky was murdered by her stepbrother Nathan Matthews and
his girlfriend Shauna Hoare
The UK spent £1.7bn on legal aid in 2014-15 and a major
reform of the system was scrapped in January.
Applicants who meet the relevant means thresholds may still
be required to pay significant contributions, up to the entire cost of their
defence.
The Legal Aid Agency will assess if any contributions paid
amounted to less than the total costs of the case, and take all necessary steps
to recover any residual costs where applicable.
The trial of Matthews and Hoare, which included four other
defendants, cost the Crown Prosecution Service £105,207.49.
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