THE controversial LifeSport programme, launched in 2012 with the aim of productively engaging at-risk youths, rapidly became one of the nation’s most high-profile political and legal scandals.

Designed to provide sporting and educational opportunities for young people, the programme ultimately cost taxpayers an estimated $440 million over two years before it was abruptly shut down in July 2014 following a damning audit by the Ministry of Finance’s Central Audit Committee (CAC).

Rejected defendants’ core arguments: Justice Ricky Rahim