"We made a big mistake and we regret it."
"We decided to return them on our terms without being detected or caught."
He said that now "everyone's happy".
The Herald revealed this week that Daniel Crichton, a Headhunters gang member, had been part of the return of the medals in exchange for bail from Mt Eden jail, although the unnamed thief on TV3 denied it.
The thieves were paid an undisclosed amount of the $300,000 reward offered for the return of the 96 medals - but not given immunity from prosecution.
Chris Comeskey took credit for facilitating the return of the missing medals, and told the Herald today that discussing Crichton's involvement and resulting release was "not helpful".
Crichton had made an approach about the medals at the Manukau District Court last month during a depositions hearing at which he was represented by Comeskey.
Crichton was in custody at the time of the December 2 break in, and when asked for proof, "in a dramatic show of good faith" he arranged the return of a George Cross.
The medals stolen included nine Victoria Crosses, as well as two rare George Crosses, an Albert Medal and a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Charles Upham's VC and Bar was the only one awarded to a combat soldier.
It is believed that the return of the medals has similarities last years' case where an accused criminal held police to ransom over the return of national artefacts, including priceless art by Charles Goldie.
