AG investigation cost taxpayers over £2 million

More than two and a half million pounds has been spent on the criminal investigation into the Island's former Attorney General. 

The figure was revealed after questions in Tynwald this week.

Operation Leopard - the inquiry into perjury allegations against Stephen Harding - started on May 5th 2011. 

The Glen Vine man, who was also charged with committing acts against public justice, was acquitted of all charges in 2014. 

His acquittal came after the jury at his trial, and subsequent retrial, failed to reach a verdict. 

In Tynwald the Treasury Minister confirmed the cost of the operation to the government - up to May 24th 2014 - was £2,563,051. 

Alf Cannan also confirmed he was unaware of any cost orders made by the court against any third parties during the operation or the two trials which followed. 

Mr Harding retired in September last year citing ill health - the Attorney General position is now held by John Quinn.