News

On his blog pundit, Andrew Geddis, a legal expert gives his analysis of the Callinan report leak and what it possiblty means for the balance of probabilities test and the future of Bain's compensation bid.  In essence he says that the customary test of extraordinary circumstances, that being the beyond reasonable doubt test, has, in Bain's case, failed.

Mike Hosking interviews Justice Binnie who was responsible for the now discredited first report into David Bain's balance of probabilities investigation.  Binnie compares the Bain case with the Australian Azaria Chamberlain case and suggests the government will eventually be forced to backtrack.  He says that he found innocence easily but only refers to the house being burnt down and the footprint evidence.

The NZHerald has disclosed that Justice Callinan did not find David Bain innocent beyond reasonable doubt (corrected).  Once the process is complete then cabinet will be in a position to make a ruling about any compensation for David Bain.

Judith Collins, who, as Minister of Justice was adamantly opposed to David Bain getting compensation, has been restored to a position in Cabinet.  It is uncerstood she may be taking over the role of Minister of Corrections.  Whether or not she will play a role in the ultimate decision on Bain's compensation is yet to be determined.

A new judge has been appointed by the government to determine whether or not David Bain is innocent on the balance of probabilities.  It is Ian Callinan, a retired judge of the Australian High Court.  First he has to show that David Bain has shown he is innocent on the balance of probabilities and after that, innocent beyond reasonable doubt.

Read about it in the Herald here.