Fed: Truck driver on manslaughter charge may return by late Aug

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2000
Fed: Truck driver on manslaughter charge may return by late Aug

CANBERRA, Aug 14 AAP - A Sydney truck driver could be back in Australia to face a baby
manslaughter charge by the end of August after being arrested early today in Canada, said
federal Justice Minister Amanda Vanstone.

Mosleh Hanna Mekhael, 27, was arrested at 5.45am AEST as he was about to board a domestic
flight at Ottawa Airport.

Mekhael flew out of Australia last month while charged with death by negligent driving
arising from a nine-car pile-up on Sydney's northern beaches in April, in which 11-month-old
Scott Steele was killed.

Senator Vanstone said that Mekhael was able to leave Australia because New South Wales
police had not posted an alert with immigration authorities to ensure that he stayed here.

It was only when police went to arrest Mekhael for the upgraded charge of manslaughter
that they discovered he had left.

Mekhael has allegedly been working as a taxi driver while staying with his brother
in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.

"We're very pleased that following the issue of a provisional arrest warrant on Friday,
the Canadian police have made an arrest this morning at 5.45am, Australian time," Senator
Vanstone told reporters.

"Now we need some further documentation from the NSW government. As soon as we receive
that we'll issue a formal extradition proceeding."

Senator Vanstone said Mekhael had indicated that he was willing to return to Australia
and was on his way home at the time of his arrest.

"If that's the case, he'll consent to the extradition and it shouldn't take more than
a couple of weeks," she said.

"I have instructed the Attorney-General's Department to give priority to the finalisation
of the formal extradition request once the necessary documents are received from NSW."

Senator Vanstone said that despite Mekhael's apparent willingness to return voluntarily,
the decision to proceed with extradition had been taken given the seriousness of the alleged
offences and the potential risk of fleeing to another country.

She said that Australia had received excellent cooperation from Canadian authorities.

NSW Police Minister Paul Whelan said last week that Mekhael's lawyer and doctor were
being investigated as a medical certificate saying Mekhael was ill had been produced during
his last scheduled court appearance on July 26, a week after he had left Australia.

AAP fh/mfh mg

KEYWORD: MEKHAEL VANSTONE

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