A MURDERER who gunned down a beautician last Christmas Eve cost the taxpayer ￡282,000 in legal aid.

       Career criminal Connor Chapman, 23, was jailed for 48 years in July for killing innocent Elle Edwards, 26, outside a pub.

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       Beautician Elle was gunned down by Connor Chapman outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, on Christmas Eve last year Credit: PA 2

       Connor Chapman cost taxpayers ￡282,000 in legal aid Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk

       He opened fire with a sub-machine gun on gangland rivals stood near her in Wallasey, Merseyside.

       Figures obtained by The Sun show Chapman first starting costing tax-payers in 2013 when he was charged with burglary and theft.

       It culminated in ￡267,000 for legal representation during his murder trial at Liverpool crown court earlier this year.

       Meanwhile, Elle’s dad Tim told how her family celebrated Christmas Day together to mark the first anniversary of her tragic death.

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       He said: “There have been a lot of mixed emotions as the day’s got closer.

       “There’s apprehension and sadness too because Elle won’t be here, but the family will all be together on Christmas Day.

       "I have my grandson who is four so I’m going to make a fuss of him — why should he miss out over Christmas? He doesn’t know what’s going on or what’s happened. I want to try to keep it as normal as possible.”

       Tim delivered hampers to families in need before Christmas.

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       He also launched a GoFundMe page to help establish a foundation in Elle’s name.