£79,000 legal aid for man accused in connection with David Black murder is slammed by Lord Morrow

The level of legal aid handed out for the man accused in connection with the murder of Cookstown prison officer David Black has been criticised.

Lord Morrow says the £79,000 is a 'scandalous indictment of the justice system.'

“The public have shelled out almost £49,000 to solicitors acting for Damien McLaughlin and in excess of £30,000 for junior counsel. The fees for senior counsel have not yet been submitted but I feel safe in estimating costs are now well in excess of £100,000,” he explains.

Lord Morrow is questionning how these figures have been reached, given the fact the accused has not yet faced trial.

“However, as I understand it, Legal Aid has now been suspended as McLaughlin remains unlawfully at large,” he adds.

Lord Morrow has also criticised the delay on the case.

“Such actions have possibly denied the family of David Black their opportunity for due process and justice.

“Victims come a sorry second to those accused of offences, who have public funds lavished upon them and in this instance, that privilege is reciprocated by disappearance. It is a scandalous indictment of the judicial system,” he says.

Pic: Damien McLaughlin.