§ Mr. Cohenasked the Attorney-General what factors the Director of Public Prosecutions took into consideration in deciding to drop the extradition warrant in respect of Mr. John Gaul; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralA warrant for the arrest of John Gaul for murder was issued by Brighton magistrates' court and this formed the basis of an application to the Government of Malta for his extradition. Although that application was refused the warrant continued to have domestic effect. Earlier this year the Director of Public Prosecutions became aware of circumstances which 449W precluded further reliance upon the evidence of an important witness. The director reviewed the evidence as a whole and concluded that the remaining evidence did not constitute a viable case against Mr. Gaul. Accordingly the only proper course was to withdraw the warrant.