Official figures show preliminary costs to the Crown of the country's longest-running fraud trial are nearing the $1 million mark.
From left: Edward Sullivan, Robert White and Lachie McLeod. Photo: Mytchall Bransgrove
The five-month fraud trial of three former South Canterbury Finance directors Lachie McLeod, Edward Sullivan and Robert White wrapped up at the High Court in Timaru on 19 August.
Five defence counsel and four prosecutors argued the case, and the judge's ruling is expected next month.
In response to an Official Information Act request, the Crown Law Office said members of the prosecution panel argued the Serious Fraud Office case on a fixed fee agreement.
Figures showed that by the end of July, Crown Law had paid $985,401 to the conduct of the case, including travel, accommodation and other expenses.
Figures for costs incurred by the Serious Fraud Office are yet to be released.
