In a decision sparking public debate over the UK's legal aid system, Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon have been granted a substantial £1 million in taxpayer-funded legal aid.
The funds are earmarked to cover the costs of their upcoming retrial, where they face charges related to the death of their infant child, and also for a separate, complex family court battle concerning the future custody of their four surviving children.
The granting of this financial support comes despite widespread reporting that Marten is the beneficiary of a £2.4 million trust fund.
This disparity between the parents' personal wealth and their state-funded legal costs is expected to fuel fresh scrutiny of the criteria used to grant legal aid, particularly in high-profile cases.
The pair were previously found guilty but a subsequent ruling allowed for a retrial, necessitating further extensive legal costs.
The family court proceedings, which will determine the long-term placement and welfare of their other children, are inherently costly and involve numerous legal professionals.
The decision highlights the principle that even individuals with significant assets may be eligible for legal aid if those assets are tied up in trusts or otherwise inaccessible for immediate legal expenditure, or if the case's complexity and duration exceed their liquid personal funds, ensuring a right to legal representation.
However, for many, the figure remains a staggering cost to the public purse.
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