Nats question bail-for-medals deal

John Key

The National party has questioned the release of a leading gang figure on bail after his involvement in the return of priceless stolen war medals.

The New Zealand Herald revealed today that Daniel Crichton was granted bail on serious drugs charges after he negotiated with the thieves who stole the 96 medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, from the Waiouru Army Museum in December.

His release was part of the deal which saw the thieves paid some of the $300,000 reward offered from within New Zealand and overseas for the return of the medals.

Crichton was a former Black Power member linked to the Headhunters gang.
National Leader John Key said in Parliament today that Crichton had been considered a risk to the community while he was awaiting trial and how now had been released as part of a deal over the medals.

National leader John Key attacked Prime Minister Helen Clark over the deal saying the security of the public was "a big price to pay."
He said Crichton had previously been refused bail because he was deemed a risk to the community.

"What sort of precedent does it set when a New Zealander who has previously been refused bail is allowed to be released back into the community because somehow he was the inside snitch on getting back New Zealands medals?"

Crichton's wife, Lou, told 3News tonight that the couple have three children and they wanted him home for the birth. He had seen the help as a way out of jail and to be back with his kids.

His family said that he has been in hiding today.

The stuff website quoted Crichton today as saying that he had helped negotiate the return of the medals because he wanted to spend time with his family and not for any reward.

Crichton said he had nothing to do with the theft, but like others in the criminal world had sought to find out who did it.

The thieves had been professional who had overstepped the mark and did not realise the enormity of what they had done, he told the Fairfax-owned stuff website.

Mr Key said the community was being put at risk because Crichton had been "the inside snitch".

Miss Clark said she would not attack a decision of the court and Crichton was still facing charges, would be prosecuted and still could face jail.

- NZPA, HERALD STAFF