Medals negotiator's P trial put off until July next year

The drugs trial of the man who helped to negotiate the return of stolen war medals to the Army Museum at Waiouru has been set for July 19 next year.

Daniel William Crichton appeared in the High Court at Auckland yesterday charged with 10 counts of supplying methamphetamine, one count of supplying Ecstasy and one of offering to supply cannabis.

He had been in prison awaiting trial on the charges, but was bailed in January 2008 after negotiating with men accused of stealing 96 war medals, including nine Victoria Crosses.

Crichton's trial was due to begin on August 17, but was aborted after about two hours of legal arguments in chambers.

Kun Wei, 27, appeared in the dock beside Crichton yesterday on 16 charges of supplying a class-A drug and one of offering to supply a class-A drug. Wei's five-day trial will start on December 7.

Both Crichton and Wei were released on bail.

- NZPA