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.