Criminal MPs Who Fiddled Expenses Get Taxpayers to Pay for Their Defence http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7095572.ece

'Three former Labour MPs accused of fiddling their parliamentary expenses have won taxpayer money to help pay their legal bills just weeks before the introduction of “means testing”. David Chaytor, Elliot Morley and Jim Devine are accused of stealing almost £60,000 in allowances through false mortgage claims, rent claims and invoiced services.

They have been told they are eligible for legal aid to fund their defences which includes the argument that they are protected from prosecution by the ancient right of parliamentary privilege. The former MPs’ total legal bill is expected to reach tens of thousands of points but could reach six figures if they continue their legal appeal all the way to the Supreme Court.'