EDDIE Maher – the former security guard charged with the theft of nearly �1.2million – has been granted legal aid, a court heard today.

Maher, who is currently remanded in custody in Norwich prison, appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich via video link this morning.

During the hearing it was heard that Maher, 57, has been granted legal aid, meaning the taxpayer will be funding his defence costs.

Although the court list stated Maher, who was extradited from the US on July 10, was of no fixed abode the father-of-three gave an address of Wannock Lane, Eastbourne when asked by the clerk. It is believed the address is that of one of Maher’s sisters.

His case was adjourned because it was heard the defence team have not had the opportunity to see him in Norwich prison.

He will remain in custody until his next hearing on August 7, which will also be via video link at the magistrates’ court in Ipswich.

The Star revealed last week that Maher, who declared himself bankrupt in America in November 2010, would be asking for legal aid.

Maher is alleged to have stolen �1,172,500 which was in a Securicor van parked outside Lloyds Bank in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe on January 22, 1993.

After he was arrested in Missouri in February the father-of-three requested for a court-appointed public defender to represent him in the US as he did not have sufficient funds to pay for a lawyer.