A criminal prosecution involving pirated software left the UK taxpayer with
the largest bill for legal aid in 2004-2005.
Operation Blossom cost £18.4m in defence legal fees, making it the most
expensive criminal law case to reach a conclusion in 2005.
The prosecution's £750,000 legal expenses pushed the costs to more than £19m
overall.
The defence included work from 15 barristers, three of whom earned £450,000
or more.
The fees helped
James
Sturman QC scoop £1.18m overall to become the first barrister ever to be
paid more than £1m from legal aid in a single year. Sturman's client pleaded
guilty to the charges and did not stand trial.
Constitutional Affairs Minister
Harriet
Harman confirmed the figures in a letter to Labour MP
Andrew
Dismore.
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