Police quiz Campbell over medals interview

A screengrab taken from the 'confession' interview broadcast on <i>Campbell Live</i>. Photo / Supplied

Police have formally interviewed TV3 presenter John Campbell about his interview with a man who claimed to have been involved in the theft of the Waiouru medals.

A reward of $300,000 was paid for the return of the 96 medals, which included nine Victoria Crosses. Two men, aged 41 and 37, were later charged with their theft and are in custody awaiting trial.

Police tracked down footage of a meeting between Campbell and the man at Auckland's Duxton Hotel and later seized it.

The meeting created a link between the "confession" interview that TV3 broadcast and one of the suspects.

Police spokesman Roger Beaumont said the broadcaster had stuck to his journalistic pledge not to reveal sources.

Another key figure in the inquiry, lawyer Chris Comeskey, who negotiated the return of the medals, is refusing to be interviewed - and said he would not turn up to the trial.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann said police were "seeking Mr Comeskey's co-operation".

But Comeskey said it was "inappropriate" for a defence lawyer to be questioned about a client in any circumstances.