New Zealand

Lundy convictions cost millions

16:50 pm on 4 May 2015

More than $5 million has been spent putting convicted double-murderer Mark Lundy in jail, twice.

Mark Lundy Photo: RNZ

Lundy was last month found guilty for a second time of murdering his 38-year-old wife, Christine and his seven-year-old daughter, Amber.

Figures released under the Official Information Act revealed the cost of the initial police investigation into the August 2000 murders hit $1.3 million.

The second investigation cost $1.7 million, but that figure could rise as costs were still being invoiced and finalised.

Ministry of Justice figures showed legal aid for Lundy's first High Court trial cost $153,000, while aid for his re-trial soared to $1.3 million.

This figure was also expected to rise.

Police said they could not put a price on holding offenders to account.