Becky Watts' killers granted £400,000 in legal aid

The couple who murdered and dismembered schoolgirl Becky Watts were granted more than £400,000 in legal aid, it has emerged.

Becky, 16, was murdered by her stepbrother in a sexually motivated kidnap plot on February 19 last year.

Nathan Matthews was jailed for life for her murder while Shauna Hoare was sentenced to 17 years for manslaughter.

Both were granted a total of £402,250.01 in legal aid in the lead up to and during her murder trial, figures obtained by the Press Association show.

Nathan Matthews and Shauna Hoare. Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

Matthews, a former TA soldier turned takeaway driver, was granted £324,549.77 in legal aid.

Hoare received £77,700.24.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the figures reflected all of Matthews' costs but further bills were due for Hoare.

A spokesperson said anyone facing Crown Court trial is eligible for legal aid "subject to a strict means test".