The teenage killer of Alesha MacPhail will cost the taxpayer more than £100,000 in legal fees after his decision to appeal against his sentence.
Aaron Campbell’s legal team last week sent the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) what was thought would be the final bill for work they carried out on the case.
Defending the schoolboy – who turned 17 behind bars – at the High Court in Glasgow cost £81,230.
But the figure will soar following his appeal over the minimum 27-year sentence for the rape and murder of Alesha, six, last July.
Campbell was found guilty of abducting Alesha from her grandparents’ home on Rothesay on the Isle of Bute and subjecting her to a horrific attack.
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He was sentenced by Lord Mathews in March, following a psychology report in which the killer revealed he was “satisfied” with the murder.
A SLAB spokesman said: “Legal aid is paid directly to lawyers to represent people accused of serious crimes, including those viewed as being of an abhorrent nature, to help ensure a jury can reach an appropriate verdict in a timely manner.
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“Serious cases such as this can result in higher payments to solicitors and counsel because of the nature of the charges and the amount and type of work this entails for their legal representation.”
Campbell’s bill also includes fees previously submitted by advocate Brian McConnachie QC, who defended him during his nine-day trial.
Under Scots law, a murder accused is normally represented in court by an advocate who, in turn, is instructed by a firm of solicitors.
Both his solicitors’ fees and those of his advocate are expected to rise after his appeal is heard.
The hearing will take place on August 7 before three judges.
