Jimmy Seales is being pursued for £100,478 which he received in legal aid in order to fund his defence, marking the first time that the order has been used against a convicted murderer in Northern Ireland since it was introduced in 2012 legislation.

The legislation does not apply retroactively, so it cannot be used to return legal aid funds from those who were convicted before 2012.

The order against Mr Seales was granted earlier this year but was delayed by his attempt to appeal his conviction, which was dismissed last month.

Mr Seales, described as a “wealthy pig farmer” by the Belfast Telegraph, has not objected to the order.