22 Dec 2008

Medals lawyer kicked off case

9:41 pm on 22 December 2008

The lawyer who brokered the return of stolen war medals has been kicked off the case.

Chris Comesky has been acting for one of two men accused of stealing 96 valour medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, from Waiouru Army Museum a year ago.

Before the arrests he negotiated the medals' return and dealt with a $200,000 payment in exchange for them.

But the Crown intend calling him as a prosecution witness and says he cannot properly represent the defendant.

In a two-hour hearing, Mr Comesky argued against the Crown application to have him removed. Evidence and discussion during that application have been suppressed.

Judge Michael Radford says he is satisfied Mr Comesky will be called as a Crown witness and had him removed from the case.

Mr Comesky says he will seek advice from his client before deciding whether to appeal against his removal.