Handcuffed prisoner stops at ATM to pay for a lawyer

POLICE escorting a handcuffed prisoner charged with violent offences had to stop at a cash machine so he could pay a lawyer.

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Self-employed people are 'particularly disadvantaged' under the legal aid system

The revelation comes as solicitors warned self-employed people were “particularly disadvantaged” under rules insisting on full means-testing before legal aid can be granted. 

Police were called to a home in Leicester after reports that a man subject to a suspended prison order for violence had committed ­similar offences.

Solicitor Paul Tubb said: “The man was self-employed and he knew from last time, when he was forced to represent himself, that he would find it difficult to get legal aid.

“He was also aware that he may be held in custody until his court appearance on Monday. So he asked police officers if he could stop off at a cashpoint so he could have funds with which to pay.” 

Those who earn under £12,475 a year are entitled to legal aid for magistrates’ court proceedings, while those who earn more than £22,325 are not.

Paul Watson, of Paul J Watson solicitors, Middlesbrough, added: “We’ve all heard of solicitors who just won’t deal with self-employed people any more. This puts those people at a big disadvantage.

"One answer would be to force magistrates courts to do what crown courts do, and chase the funds themselves, instead of leaving it to solicitors. “

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The means test has long existed to make sure that those who can afford to pay for legal representation do so, instead of hard-working UK taxpayers.

“The Legal Aid Agency cannot grant legal aid without accurate information and has specialist teams who can help lawyers assist applicants with the process."

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