KEY POINTS:
The retrial of David Bain will break the record for the most taxpayer money spent on a murder trial in New Zealand history - tipped to at least double the $623,000 legal aid bill for convicted murderer Scott Watson.
Briefing papers for Justice Minister Mark Burton obtained under the Official Information Act show that the Legal Services Agency is seeking estimates for Crown counsel and has approved payments for part of the defence.
"The initial estimates for the cost of the trial far exceed anything the agency has paid for previously for a murder trial," the documents say. "The largest legal aid bill for a murder trial to date has been for Scott Watson at $623,000."
However, the LSA refused to release the estimated bill for Bain as the case is yet to be heard in court. The Herald on Sunday will refer that decision to the Office of the Ombudsmen.
More than $700,000 of taxpayer money has already been spent on legal aid for Bain - through his trial over the killings of five members of his family, subsequent appeals and successful Privy Council hearing in London.
More invoices are yet to be finalised, and, on top of that, nearly $800,000 was spent keeping Bain incarcerated for 13 years.
Bain campaigner Joe Karam has estimated that the retrial could cost at least $4 million for the defence - and a further $8 million for the police and Crown Law. Legal aid payments may include costs for support counsel, expert witnesses, forensic tests, investigators and travel.
