Paddy Jackson & Stuart Olding’s Trial Cost Northern Ireland An Insane Amount Of Money

Huge bill.

The hugely publicised Belfast Rape Trial involving former Ulster and Ireland players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding has cost Northern Ireland over £500,000 so far with costs set to rise even further according to the Belfast Telegraph.

Both players were found not guilty following a 42-day trial in Belfast Crown Court. Two others – Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison were also acquitted.

The costs to the state include:

  • £336,000 spent on legal aid.
  • £160,000 spent by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on prosecution costs.
  • £53,000 on court costs.

Stuart Olding was granted legal aid midway through the trial, with his costs totalling £73,965.13. Jackson meanwhile did not apply for legal aid, with his costs for legal advice and assistance much lower at £1,304.43. McIlroy and Harrison both claimed aid at a cost of over £260k.

Jackson’s legal costs amounted to over £100k, but were funded privately. This could change and add to the bill should he be successful in his bid to recover costs.

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