Wife killer awaits ruling

The Australian Government says it would be "duty bound" to consider the release from detention of convicted wife killer and US national Gabe Watson as he awaits deportation.

Watson, 33, was released yesterday, but remains in immigration detention awaiting deportation.

The former salesman served 18 months for the manslaughter of his wife, Tina, who drowned during a scuba dive.

The Government is in negotiations with US officials, seeking a guarantee that Watson will not face charges leading to capital punishment on his return.