PADDY Jackson can apply to recover the cost of his legal defence after being cleared of rape.
The Ireland and Ulster rugby player was the only defendant in the trial who did not receive legal aid.
But after being found not guilty, he will be entitled to make an application to the court to seek to recover his defence costs.
The 42-day trial is thought to be one of the most expensive rape trials in UK judicial history.
Read more:Campaign groups hit out at 'middle class' women remarks in rape case
Hard partying players cause rift in dressing room
The defence bill for the case – which was taken against four defendants, each with their own legal team – is believed to be well above £1.5m.
It is estimated Mr Jackson's own legal defence bill could be more than £300,000.
In March 2017 he signed a deal with Ulster Rugby that is believed to have netted him a salary of around £400,000 per season.
Read more:
[ Campaigning doctor urges rape victims to seek help at pioneering support centreOpens in new window ]
Stuart Olding, who was also cleared of rape, was granted legal aid from the fifth week of the trial having funded the earlier costs himself and with the help of friends and family.
Blane McIlroy, who was acquitted of exposure, and Rory Harrison, acquitted of perverting the course of justice and withholding information, were granted legal aid at the outset of the case.
Read More
- Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding found not guilty of rape
- Allison Morris: There were even giggles in the public gallery as graphic details of alleged rape were read out (Premium)
- Alleged victim's name was posted on comments section of an online news site
- Relatives clasped each others' hands and openly wept as verdicts delivered
- Victims' support group calls for review into how trials are conducted
- Allison Morris: I have two daughters and would not encourage them to go through retraumatising rape trial (Premium)
- 'I Believe Her' rallies take place across Ireland
- Ireland rugby captain Rory Best's decision to attend court on day two of the rape trial provoked a storm of criticism
- About the rugby rape trial judge Patricia Smyth
- PSNI says woman at centre of trial 'upset and disappointed' at verdict
- Paddy Jackson's lawyers say status as famous sportsman 'drove the decision to prosecute'
- Paddy Jackson's lawyers call for crackdown on 'vile' social media commentary during criminal proceedings
- Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding 'will continue to be relieved of all duties' as review takes place
- Stuart Olding faces major battle to return to pinnacle of his sport
- Paddy Jackson had unwavering support from his parents
- Stuart Olding: I deeply regret events of that evening... I am sorry for the hurt caused to the complainant
- Blane McIlroy admitted being prone to exaggeration
- Rory Harrison had been working in Australia before he flew home to stand trial
- Video: Paddy Jackson thanks judge and jury for fair trial
- Public Prosecution Service: 'Ultimately right' rugby rape case was brought to trial
