TAXPAYERS will foot a £2million legal aid bill run up by socialite James Stunt during his money-laundering trial.
Stunt, ex-husband of F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone, was cleared in March of a £266million scheme to turn drug cash into gold.
But because his assets were frozen, he was entitled to a publicly-funded barrister and staff in two trials lasting 11 months.
An information request revealed his lawyers cost £2,178,524, while running and staffing Leeds crown court cost £600,000.
Mr Stunt was living in a Los Angeles mansion at the time of the claims.
He spent millions on cars and paintings and was later declared bankrupt.
Tory MP and former solicitor Sir Ashley Fox said: “Legal aid is a critical part of our judicial system, allowing all those accused of a crime able to access legal representation.
“It is in the public interest to make sure it is defended, and that includes ensuring it is awarded fairly in all instances.”
“James Stunt’s legal aid bill does seem extraordinarily high.
“Given his lifestyle, it would seem incredible that the legal aid board are not able to recover some or all of the bill from his substantial personal fortune.”
