The striking of a deal with Warwick Reid would be a sensible move as long as he received an appropriate sentence, an extradition expert said yesterday. 'The object of the extradition is to bring him to justice. I don't think Hong Kong should care where he is brought to justice,' the lawyer said. He said similar deals had been struck with criminals in Hong Kong who were fighting extradition to other countries. But it could only be achieved if crimes had been committed in the country where the defendant was being held. The expert said deals were not always perfect but were often the best solution. By striking a deal with Reid, the Hong Kong authorities would avoid what could be a long-running extradition battle. Public funds would also be saved by having Reid dealt with in New Zealand rather than flying him to Hong Kong for trial. Reid's lawyers say he agreed to enter pleas of guilty in New Zealand in return for promises that he would not be returned to Hong Kong. The Legal Department denies a deal was struck. It says the charges which formed the subject of the extradition still stand and the situation will later be reviewed. If no promises had been made to Reid he could still be extradited, the expert said. The Legal Department could even wait to see whether they were satisfied with his sentence before deciding whether to proceed. Technically, depending on the way in which the charges he admits are worded, Reid could find himself being tried in Hong Kong as well as New Zealand. The final decision would be made by the New Zealand authorities. They would have to give their consent to the extradition. It is also likely Reid would be able to fight the extradition on the grounds that he cannot be tried twice on charges which are substantially the same.
