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Three paedophiles have been handed nearly half a million pounds in legal aid – 10 times the maximum compensation due to their two victims.

The evil trio were ringleaders of a gang who drugged and raped two girls aged 14.

Their lawyers have received £425,495 from the taxpayer.

In contrast, the victims will be eligible for criminal injuries payouts of between £11,000 and £44,000.

The huge legal aid bill – uncovered by the Sunday People using Freedom of Information laws – was slammed last night.

Harry Fletcher, director of the Victims’ Rights Campaign, said: “It is a scandal that these child abusers were given half a million of legal aid, yet the victims received less than 10 per cent of that.

(Image: @hfletcher10)

“This is yet more proof that the justice system treats victims of crime appallingly and more evidence of the need for a victims’ Bill of Rights.

“The Government must consider forcing convicted child abusers to pay back the legal aid.” The trio were among nine men who plied the girls with drink and drugs then raped them in Bradford, West Yorks.

One victim told the city’s crown court she has suffered from depression, PTSD and anxiety and has tried to take her own life several times since her ordeal.

She went from being a star pupil with A*s GCSE predictions to dropping out of school with a criminal record – her health in tatters from drug and alcohol misuse.

All nine men were convicted in February of charges including rape and inciting child prostitution after a two-month trial.

(Image: West Yorkshire Police/PA)

Basharat Khaliq, 38, who was caged for 20 years, was granted £105,612.05 by the Legal Aid Agency.

Saeed Akhtar, 55 – also handed a 20-year term – was given £194,464.49 and Naveed Akhtar, 43, serving 17 years, ran up bills of £125,419.44.

Their abuse began when Khaliq started grooming the girls in 2008 when they had recently been placed in a children’s home.

He and the others used them for sex over a three-year period.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall told the defendants: “The damage you have caused for your sexual pleasure has been revealed to all, and the lengths some of you went to corrupt a girl are truly appalling.

(Image: West Yorkshire Police/PA)

“The jury have seen this case for what it was – clear, determined and insidious grooming.”

One victim, Fiona Goddard, decided to waive her right to life-long anonymity to show other victims of abuse “there is nothing to be ashamed of”.

Outside court, the 25-year-old said: “These men have influenced every aspect of my life, for as long as I can remember.

“Today, I got to stand in front of them and take that control back and know that they are never going to impact my life again.”

The Ministry of Justice said: “Anyone facing a crown court trial is eligible for legal aid, subject to a strict means test.

“Applicants for criminal legal aid can be required to pay contributions up to the entire cost of the defence.”