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"I have always wondered why an acquitted defendant was not able to reclaim the costs of his defence."

"Those with a disposable income greater than £37,500 are ineligible for legal aid. Until 2011, acquitted defendants could claim back the legal costs from central funds. But the government introduced stricter rules restricting the amount that can be recouped to legal aid rates – two to three times lower than private fees."

Or in other words - because MPs decided that people should have to pay for their own defence (regardless of whether the individual is actually innocent).

I am more concerned by the last point made - a time limit on prosecutions for historic sex offences. In light of the Jimmy Saville fiasco and the resulting enquiry as well as the regular updates regarding the behaviour of the catholic church, one has to ask if this man really is that politically stupid?

BC