Fijian trial of Robin Brooke most unlikely, says lawyer

Robin Brooke. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A legal expert says an arrest of former All Black lock Robin Brooke by Fiji police is highly unlikely.

Peter Williams, QC, said he doubted the New Zealand Government would entertain an extradition application if charges were laid.

"They don't have a constitutional Government. The courts, the judges are appointed by the Government, so the courts themselves technically are not legally constituted.

"So I'd be very surprised if any judge in New Zealand would ever issue an extradition order in those circumstances."

His comments come after Fiji police investigating Mr Brooke recommended he be charged for groping a 15-year-old Auckland girl at a resort on New Year's Eve.

The police commissioner will decide if charges are laid.

Fiji police also recommended Brooke face charges over an alleged assault on a 17-year-old boy who went to the girl's assistance.

Early this month Brooke apologised on television to the girl and announced he had reached a settlement with her and her family. A settlement was later reached with her Australian friend Jordan Whittaker.

Brooke said he accepted the girl's version of events - that he had twice grabbed her backside while she was by the pool at a resort at Denarau.

Mr Whittaker said that when he tried to intervene Brooke grabbed his throat and threatened him.

The terms of the settlement with Mr Whittaker were not disclosed.

Mr Brooke agreed to donate $3000 to a charity of the girl's choice, reimburse her airfare, pay her family's legal fees and undergo alcohol counselling.

- NZPA