Gang caught after failed Angus raid cost taxpayer £1m legal aid

A gang caught after a failed ATM raid in Angus cost the UK taxpayer £1 million in legal aid.

Andrew White, Michael Galea, Nanu Miah, Anthony White, Gary Carey, Carl Cavanagh and Anthony Conroy – most of whom are from the north west of England – blew up or dragged out cash machines from shops across Britain.

Their targets included Co-op stores in Carnoustie and Perth.

Police tracked them to a McDonald’s restaurant in Arbroath, where armed officers shot out the tyres of their getaway car, and their run of crimes was brought to an end.

Their trial in Liverpool earlier this year, which included solicitors and barristers to fight their causes, was all covered by legal aid.

The men were jailed for a collective 92 years.

Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor said: “I know everyone has the right to a fair trial but part of me always thinks if you commit a crime like this then you face the consequences.”

Carnoustie councillor Mark McDonald said: “I am by no means an expert on the English legal system but the headline figure does come as quite a shock.”

Gavin Farmer, a Carnoustie community councillor for 25 years, said the incident had been “shocking” for Carnoustie.

He added: “While I agree everyone has the right to a fair trial, there surely must be a limit on it.”

A Legal Aid Agency spokeswoman said: “Anyone facing a Crown Court trial is eligible for legal aid, subject to a strict means test.

“Applicants who meet the relevant means thresholds may still be required to pay a significant contribution towards the costs of their defence.”