It’s been more than three years since the death of Erin Howlett, almost as long since Michael Ball was arrested and charged with first degree murder, and nine months since a mistrial was declared in the case because jurors found themselves unable to agree on a verdict.

And it will be at least a little bit longer until a second trial gets underway.

Ball appeared in Kitchener court Wednesday as a judge heard a Rowbotham application – essentially a process to get taxpayers to cover the cost of a legal defence for somebody who has been denied more typical assistance from Legal Aid Ontario, as Ball has been.

The typical argument used by Rowbotham applicants is that they cannot afford a lawyer and believe they would not get a fair trial if they had to represent themselves.

A publication ban prevents reporting on the specifics of what was said in court on Wednesday.

Speaking to CTV News outside the courthouse, Ball said that he was applying for assistance because he doesn’t have enough money to pay for a lawyer.

“My parents have paid for one trial. They don’t have the funds to pay for a second one, and they shouldn’t be forced to either,” the 25-year-old said.

“Yes, I’m asking for taxpayers to help me out – but I didn’t want to go through the trial the first time (and) I sure as hell don’t want to go through it the second time.”

Ball would not say how much his parents paid for his legal defence in the first trial.

“I don’t know, because I don’t pay the bills,” he said.

“All I know is that they gave up their heart and soul to help me and save my life.”

Howlett’s body was found in a duffel bag in the Grand River in July 2013, more than a week after the last time she was seen alive.

This past March, Ball was found guilty of committing an indignity to her remains and sentenced to time already served, plus one day – the minimum sentence possible under the circumstances.

Aside from that one day, which did not have to constitute a full 24 hours, he has been free on bail since October 2015, shortly before his trial began.

The judge’s decision on Ball’s Rowbotham application is expected to be known when Ball returns to court Dec. 16.

With reporting by Nicole Lampa