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Stephen Lawrence killers received £425,000 in legal aid | Stephen Lawrence killers received £425,000 in legal aid |
(about 7 hours later) | |
The two men convicted of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence were given more than £425,000 in legal aid. | The two men convicted of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence were given more than £425,000 in legal aid. |
Gary Dobson, 37, and David Norris, 36, were both jailed for life in January last year for the killing in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993. | Gary Dobson, 37, and David Norris, 36, were both jailed for life in January last year for the killing in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993. |
The Legal Aid Agency said Dobson was given £199,109 in the run-up and during the six-week trial and a further £4,200 for appeal costs. | The Legal Aid Agency said Dobson was given £199,109 in the run-up and during the six-week trial and a further £4,200 for appeal costs. |
Norris received £222,346 to defend himself against the charge. | Norris received £222,346 to defend himself against the charge. |
He has twice tried to have his conviction overturned and both times his application has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal. | He has twice tried to have his conviction overturned and both times his application has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal. |
Means test | Means test |
The figures, obtained by the Daily Mail in a Freedom of Information request, show the costs for his appeals have yet to be finalised. | The figures, obtained by the Daily Mail in a Freedom of Information request, show the costs for his appeals have yet to be finalised. |
Dobson dropped his appeal against his conviction in March. | Dobson dropped his appeal against his conviction in March. |
A spokesman for the Legal Aid Agency said: "Anyone on trial for a serious criminal offence can apply for legal aid so a lawyer can represent them in court. | A spokesman for the Legal Aid Agency said: "Anyone on trial for a serious criminal offence can apply for legal aid so a lawyer can represent them in court. |
"Funding is subject to a means test which could require the defendant to pay towards their legal costs." | "Funding is subject to a means test which could require the defendant to pay towards their legal costs." |
Still investigating | Still investigating |
Norris is serving a minimum of 14 years and three months, and Dobson at least 15 years and two months. | Norris is serving a minimum of 14 years and three months, and Dobson at least 15 years and two months. |
The men were the first people convicted over the attack on Mr Lawrence by a group of white youths near a bus stop. | The men were the first people convicted over the attack on Mr Lawrence by a group of white youths near a bus stop. |
The breakthrough in the investigation followed the introduction of a cold case team of forensic scientists. | The breakthrough in the investigation followed the introduction of a cold case team of forensic scientists. |
Police are still investigating the murder in an attempt to bring others to justice. | Police are still investigating the murder in an attempt to bring others to justice. |
The Ministry of Justice is consulting on plans to save £220m from the criminal legal aid bill, which include removing the right for defendants to choose who represents them in court. | |
The proposal has sparked some concerns that the changes will deny justice to the poorest in society. |
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