Fury as parole hearings for convicts including murderers and rapists cost taxpayers £62million in five years

TAXPAYERS have stumped up £62million in five years for convicts’ parole hearings.

The sum went to lawyers representing murderers, rapists and terrorists hoping for early release or a move to a softer jail.

Latest Ministry of Justice figures show there were 6,580 in-jail hearings from April 2021-2022 where funding was provided for legal assistance.

The cost was £14.1million — up from £12.6million the previous year.

One high-profile Parole Board case saw black cab rapist John Worboys cleared for release in 2018.

But amid public fury, the High Court ordered a “fresh determination” which found Worboys — convicted of attacks on 12 women — was “not suitable for release”.

He had received more than £166,000 in Legal Aid since his 2008 arrest.

But officials refused to say how much had been spent on his parole hearings.

David Spencer, Research Director at the Centre for Crime Prevention, said: “While everyone is entitled to legal representation, the vast sums of money being spent on a growing number of parole cases, many of which are ­frivolous, is something that the MoJ needs to look at.

The Ministry of Justice said: “Legal Aid goes directly to lawyers who ensure hearings are fair so offenders cannot challenge decisions.”